Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.

Abstract: Gaming devices, systems, software products and methods are disclosed that provide for the play of a bonus game upon a player achieving eligibility during play of a base game. Indicators such as scalars are displayed to graphically show progress toward eligibility. The bonus games may include a Bingo game or a playing-card based game like Poker.

Abstract: A gaming system and related methods comprising a gaming device and a voucher mechanism in communication with the gaming device. The voucher mechanism is configured to present various types of vouchers to the player depending on a game outcome. The types of vouchers include, without limitation, a jackpot voucher, a merchandise voucher, a free play voucher, a mystery voucher, a competition entry voucher, and a restricted machine play voucher.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for implementing a user profile-driven gaming and prize redeeming system is disclosed. The user profile-driven gaming and prize redemption system allows for the tailoring of a user's experience of playing a computer implemented game on a network gaming system by first receiving an identifier selected from a group of identifiers including a user identifier relating to the user (i.e., player) of the network gaming system, a game identifier relating to a particular game played by the user of the network gaming system, and a site identifier relating to the location (i.e., web site) from which the game is being played. The network gaming system then alters the computer-implemented game played by the user in a manner based upon the selected identifier. The foregoing technique may also be applied to a prize redemption system.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for providing sensory feedback on a virtual button deck, or more generally, to systems and methods for providing sensory feedback on a touch device associated with a gaming machine. For example, a gaming machine may include a display for presenting a primary game to a player. The gaming machine may include one or more player input devices for receiving player input. At least one of the one or more player input devices may be a touch screen display having a touch surface having a first side and a second side. The touch screen display may be configured to provide audio feedback to a player by emanating audio from the touch surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of displaying augmented reality gaming information associated with a player card using mobile device in an augmented reality gaming system. In one embodiment, the method includes: enabling a user to view a live image of a player card through a display of a mobile device; acquiring player identification information from the player card; sending the player identification information via a network to a server; retrieving player specific information from the server using the mobile device; and displaying the player specific information in conjunction with the player card when viewing the player card through the display of the mobile device using augmented reality.

Abstract: Various embodiments directed to systems and methods that enable cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a mobile device-enhanced system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method may include enabling a cross platform gaming session in a system that includes a gaming machine that presents a game, and a computing device distinct from the gaming machine, both in communication with one another. The method may include associating the computing device with the gaming machine. The computing device may have one or more displays. The method may include receiving, by the computing device, reformatted graphical data from the gaming machine. The method may include presenting the game on the one or more displays of the computing device using the reformatted graphical data.

Abstract: Various embodiments directed to systems and methods that enable cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a mobile device-enhanced system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for reformatting original graphical content designed for presentation on a gaming machine for presentation on a mobile computing device for which the original graphical content was not originally designed may include transmitting display information associated with a display on the mobile computing device to the gaming machine. The method may include receiving, by the gaming machine, the display information transmitted by the mobile computing device. The method may include determining a resolution or aspect ratio associated with the original graphical content. The method may include reformatting the original graphical content based on the resolution or aspect ratio associated with the original graphical content and the display information received from the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A window manager server is able to initialize and configure one or more windows on a gaming device display screen. The window manager has the ability to configure specific URLs for each window, configure and Z-order depth for each window, set window size and position, and call functions on the pages. A client side application on a gaming device is capable of creating multiple windows on an electronic gaming device and responding to said server configuration or window message commands.

Abstract: A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed herein that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network, and a progressive controller. The progressive controller enables time based progressive gaming in which a progressive award is incremented by time unit. The progressive controller manages the progressive award that is incremented over time at intervals rather than being incremented by coin input. In one embodiment, the time intervals are random. In another embodiment, the incrementing intervals are calculated during the course of a game to produce a dynamic progressive increment rate. In still another embodiment, communication with the game server is only required once at a beginning of a game to downloading an incrementing rate and the progressive award.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a gaming device including a background memory validation system. The background memory validation system includes a background kernel thread that validates read-only pages on the gaming device. Additionally, the background kernel thread also minimizes potential timing problems because this process only validates page content in memory that is fully-loaded and functional.

Abstract: A progressive game is implemented on a gaming system, wherein the gaming system includes one or more gaming machines connected to a game server, and wherein the progressive game has a progressive prize value that increases according to a progressive prize growth rate. The progressive game includes a selectable targeted progressive prize value, a selectable targeted progressive prize time, and one or more enticement factors. The progressive prize growth rate is calculated using the selectable targeted progressive prize value, the selectable targeted progressive prize time, and the one or more enticement factors. The selectable targeted progressive prize time is used to calculate the predetermined time period for testing for a progressive prize win. If a progressive prize win has not been identified, the progressive prize value is incremented by the progressive prize growth rate. If a progressive prize win has been identified, one or more winners are determined.

Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.

Abstract: A simulated musical interface associated with a gaming machine enhances player excitement and interaction with the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the simulated musical interface is associated with a game in which the player uses the interface to play a simulated instrument on a gaming machine to affect, or apparently affect, the outcome of the game. As the player plays the simulated instrument via the simulated musical interface, indicia or graphical representations may be generated for a game of chance on a display associated with the gaming machine.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.

Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel.

Abstract: A method and game machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progressive associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot machine game.

Abstract: A networked gaming system directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more gaming machines, to spin. One or more community reels are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual gaming machines in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Each gaming machine has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each player's set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual gaming machine reels in combination with the community reels. Community play, via community reels, advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for a multi-site casino or resort wide promotional winners selection. The system selects a winner based on playing with a card at a table game or slot machine, or just being at an active slot machine, opened table game, or other activity within a resort.