Abstract: An I/O (Input/Output) interface is configured to couple a user interface assembly of interface peripheral devices to a communication port of a general purpose computer serving as a computerized wagering game controller. By connecting user interface assemblies of various gaming systems to a computerized game controller via various I/O interfaces and custom wiring harnesses, a common computerized game controller implements a game usable with a variety of existing gaming systems with different user interface assemblies.

Abstract: A video game and game system incorporating a game character's sanity level that is affected by occurrences in the game such as encountering a game creature or gruesome situation. A character's sanity level is modified by an amount determined based on a character reaction to the occurrence such as taking a rest or slowing game progress and/or an amount of character preparation. That is, if a character is prepared for the particular occurrence, the occurrence may have little or no affect on the character's sanity level. As the character's sanity level decreases, game play is effected such as by controlling game effects, audio effects, creating hallucinations and the like. In this context. the same game can be played differently each time it is played.

Abstract: In a game system having a display unit capable of displaying a game screen (100), an input unit for supplying a signal corresponding to a player's operation, and a game controller for executing a predetermined game on the screen of the display unit with reference to an output signal from the input unit, in which the game controller selects a predetermined number of trump cards (110 . . . 110) as the symbol to be displayed on the game screen from a predetermined selection candidate group, controls a dividend for a player based on a combination of the selected cards (110), and controls a probability of a dividend by adding or removing at least the joker (110a) as one common symbol which can be used as a plurality of cards (110) to or from the selection candidate group, according to the outcome of the game.

Abstract: A system and process for generating, distributing, and processing lottery tickets guaranteed to win a drawing-based prize. Tickets are appropriately priced, and are validated at point of sale by a central server in which the ticket information is stored. Subsequent to each lottery drawing, the winning lottery numbers are compared to the entries in a never-lose ticket database to determine if any of the entries match the winning number. Winning entries are appropriately identified and tagged as inactive, while entries that have not yet won a drawing-based prize remain active for future drawings. Ticket pricing methodology is provided for appropriately pricing never-lose tickets. A method and apparatus are further provided whereby a ticket holder may query the status of a never-lose ticket directly from the server.

Abstract: A computer system for accounting for transactions at casino gaming tables relies upon data entry of the transaction at the gaming table by means of either a gaming terminal or a gaming computer. One embodiment of the invention connects each of the gaming terminals to a central computer. Another embodiment of the invention networks each of the gaming computers to a central server and/or router. In another embodiment, each gaming computer may act as a stand alone, non-networked device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and gaming device having a multiple selection and award distribution bonus scheme. A selection is chosen from a group of selections. The present invention determines awards for distribution to the selection. Once determined, the awards are distributed to the selection and a player is provided with the awards. The present invention preferably utilizes a number of award pools in order to determine the award distribution. This award pool determination is based on, for example, a number of probability tables associated with the award pools. In one embodiment, the player's award is increased if the player picks the award associated with the player's selection.

Abstract: A gaming device that provides a second or replicating display that is an enlarged, preferably simulated replica of the actual display of the reels, paylines and indicia of the paystops of the gaming device. The second or replicating display can exactly recreate the actual rotation or random generation of the reels, represent the random generation of the reels, and do so by providing a slight delay. The present invention also contains a method by which the replicating display presents each of a plurality of award generating or winning paylines individually and sequentially for a predetermined amount of time before culminating in a display of the accumulated winning paylines. The method enables the player to easily see the source of an award, which would otherwise be difficult to discern from a multitude of paylines.

Abstract: A main character G is displayed in the center of a screen, an option character C is displayed at the lower right side of the main character G, and an enemy character N is displayed at an upper right part of the screen. FIG. 7A shows a state where the enemy character N is locked by operation of a game player and a lock mark L is displayed, and FIG. 7B shows a state where the option character C is attacking the enemy character N in response to another operation of the game player. A game can be made more interesting and ingenious by letting the game player involve in the actions of the option character which is a follower character of the main character.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonus scheme for a gaming device which presents a plurality of selections to a player. When a player chooses a selection, the game exhibits a non-terminating symbol or a terminating symbol. Certain non-terminating symbols are related to other non-terminating symbols. The game awards the player with a basic value when the player chooses selections which are associated with non-terminating symbols. In addition, the game awards the player with a match value when the player chooses a selection and the game exhibits a symbol which is related to another exhibited symbol. The bonus round terminates when the player ultimately chooses a selection associated with a terminating symbol. Accordingly, the player is faced with an array of selections with the aim of locating as many related non-terminating symbols as possible, before reaching a terminating symbol. The game may also award a basic value to the player when the player chooses a selection associated with a terminating symbol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device having a multiple selection large award bonus scheme. The gaming device includes a plurality of selections, a plurality of credit symbols associated with said selections, a plurality of awards symbols associated with selections, a winning combination of award symbols and a display device connected to the controller and adapted to display the selections, credit symbols and award symbols. A player is awarded credits when the player selects a selection having an associated credit symbol. The player accumulates award symbols when the player selects a selection associated with an award symbol. The player wins a preferably large award when the player accumulates said winning combination of award symbols.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system, apparatus and method for providing a bonus game which may be shared competitively, collaboratively or both among a plurality of players. Each player participating in the bonus game generates entries thereto in association with play of a base, or primary, game played on an individual gaming device. Players may also reintroduce entries for the bonus game that were generated on a gaming device at an earlier time to a different gaming device. Each gaming device is in communication with a controller that operates the shared bonus game and may communicate with or integrate a player tracking system. During the shared bonus game, the controller is configured to randomly select a bonus award amount that may be consistent with the par sheets, or pay tables, associated with the gaming devices, or separate therefrom.

Abstract: A disclosed cashless instrument transaction clearinghouse provides clearinghouse server including a network interface allowing the cashless instrument transaction clearinghouse to communicate with a number of gaming properties and a processor configured to enable the validation of cashless instruments at a gaming property different from where the cashless instrument was generated. Methods are provided that allow a plurality of cashless gaming devices located at different gaming properties to communicate with one another via the cashless instrument transaction clearinghouse in a secure manner using symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques. Further, to reduce the possibilities of theft and fraud, the methods allow a receiver of a message to authenticate an identity of a sender of a message.

Abstract: A computerized wagering gaming system and method is disclosed. The system includes a universal computerized game system operable to control a computerized wagering game, including a controller interface and a universal controller for processing an operating system instructions. The system includes game system devices and a game translator system for translating game events between the game system devices and the universal game control system. The controller interface operates as an interface between the universal controller and the game translator system.

Abstract: A network game having bi-directional characteristics by means of a network, wherein prescribed data corresponding to a game result is transmitted to a game-player and the game result is provided with general applicability and future development possibilities. The character training game system consists of a web (WWW) server 1 located on the Internet and a mobile telephone device 20. The server 1 comprises a character training-type game device 10. This game device 10 comprises internal hardware and software for a character training game, for example, at the least, a training processing section 100, and a transmission and reception control section 112 for controlling data reception and transmission processing with respect to the Internet. The network center 30 mediates the connection between the mobile telephone device 20 and the Internet. Game images from the game device 10 are displayed on the monitor of the mobile telephone device 20, and a game is developed by sending back response data by operating keys.

Abstract: A gaming device and preferably a bonus round game of a gaming device that provides an offer/acceptance game, wherein the player preferably knows all the necessary information to make an informed decision whether to risk a currently held award and attempt to obtain a higher value award. The game determines the success or failure of a game event regardless of whether the player risks the offer award. If the player keeps an offer award, the game still displays a success or failure outcome, so that the player can see what the player missed, good or bad. The game also includes a plurality of levels or offers, wherein the player can sequentially trade up a currently held offer award a plurality of preferably predetermined times. The game is preferably embodied in a plurality of sequentially more difficult motorcycle jumps.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring and analyzing the bets at a plurality of locations at a plurality of tables is provided. The system includes a gaming table with a raised platform, underneath which is positioned a video camera for each of the wagering locations on the table. The video cameras one each table are coupled together into a multiplexer, and the multiplexers from the plurality of tables are coupled together and into a central computer. The system and method thus eliminate the labor intensive and often inaccurate technique of tracking the gambling habits of patrons at the gaming tables.

Abstract: Replay data for replaying the process during which a player played a game is downloaded via a network, and the player can actually play the game while playing back the replay data. No real-time play process information is exchanged, but the game result data of the player and the replay data for replaying the game process can be communicated at the end of the game, and these data are stored in the terminal game machine. At the time of the game, any player plays the game while playing back the replay data.

Abstract: A number drawing apparatus includes a rotating unit and collecting holes. Each ball, supplied from a supply unit provided in the central portion of the rotating unit when it rotates, randomly rolls on a surface of the rotating unit. A centrifugal force by the rotation causes each ball to move outwardly from the rotating unit, and each ball is caught in one of catching holes. Unique identifying symbols are assigned to the catching holes. This enables the draw.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for operation a gaming device and preferably a bonus round of said device, whereby the game provides the player an initial sequence which results in a successful or unsuccessful outcome. If the player obtains a successful outcome, the player may use an award provided by obtaining said successful outcome. In a subsequent sequence wherein the player can selectively keep an award or attempt to sequentially exchange or trade up to a point or award total that enables the player to obtain a final and desirable ultimate award. The player preferably knows the existence of the ultimate award, and the present invention preferably discloses or reveals the value of the player's currently held or currently obtained award. The game can also reveal the value of the intermediate award steps as the player decides to go for the ultimate award or settle for the currently held award. The game preferably provides a consolation award to a player upon an unsuccessful exchange.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an automated gaming service to one or more players can be implemented in a computer-based environment allowing automated computation of wagers, payouts, and other gaming parameters. The automated gaming system can be implemented in an Internet or other network-type environment such that various players can access the automated gaming system from remote locations, thus establishing a virtual gaming environment. Player accounts can be established and players can be granted access to the system and to their accounts. The accounts can be set up as debit-type accounts, whereby a player funds or replenishes his or her account in advance of wagering, using a credit card or other payment technique. Various gaming environments or formats can be established to provide flexibility in implementing the system and handling various games or other events. The system can use a pari-mutuel or guaranteed-payout gaming formats, among others.