Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, modular gaming terminals, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A gaming machine is presented which includes an input device for receiving wagers to play a wagering game, and a display module with a display device for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The display device is coupled to a display module housing, which includes a male or a female mounting interface. The gaming machine also includes a core module with an electrical bus that electrically connects to the display device. A core housing, which stows the electrical bus and supports the display module, includes the other one of the male and female mounting interfaces. The female mounting interface receives the male mounting interface such that moving the male interface into the female interface automatically aligns the display module with the core module and removably attaches the core housing to the display housing.

Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint.

Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint.

Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a display mounted to a cabinet and configured to display an outcome of a wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager. The gaming system further includes an armrest panel mounted to the cabinet and including a support padding having a wall thickness defined by an exterior surface and an interior surface. The wall thickness varies along a cross-section of the support padding. The armrest panel further includes a plurality of buttons integrated in the support padding for receiving inputs from a player, the plurality of buttons including a first button mounted on a first elevation of the support padding and a second button mounted on a second elevation of the support padding. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation relative to the interior surface.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming machines, gaming systems and utility hook and sensor assemblies are presented. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, at least one display device configured to display aspects of the wagering game, and at least one input device configured to receive an input from a player to play the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a support mechanism that is attached to the cabinet and is configured to support a personal belonging of the player. An alert system is configured to detect the presence or absence, or both, of the personal belonging and/or the player at the gaming terminal, and generate an alert signal in response to the detected presence or absence.

Abstract: Gaming systems, gaming terminals, and multi-display arrangements for a wagering game terminal are presented herein. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed which includes at least one input device, at least one processor, first and second electronic display devices, and an electronic display-transition device. The first and second electronic display devices are mounted in side-by-side, non-coplanar relationship and spaced a gap apart from each other. Each of the display devices is configured to dynamically display aspects of the wagering game. The electronic display-transition device extends across the gap from the first electronic display device to the second electronic display device. The electronic display-transition device is also configured to dynamically display aspects of the wagering game. The electronic display-transition device can have a curvilinear cross-sectional profile and/or a flexible display screen.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a display mounted to a cabinet and configured to display an outcome of a wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager. The gaming system further includes an armrest panel mounted to the cabinet and including a support padding having a wall thickness defined by an exterior surface and an interior surface. The wall thickness varies along a cross-section of the support padding. The armrest panel further includes a plurality of buttons integrated in the support padding for receiving inputs from a player, the plurality of buttons including a first button mounted on a first elevation of the support padding and a second button mounted on a second elevation of the support padding. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation relative to the interior surface.

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.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a display mounted to a cabinet and configured to display an outcome of a wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager. The gaming system further includes an armrest panel mounted to the cabinet and including a support padding having a wall thickness defined by an exterior surface and an interior surface. The wall thickness varies along a cross-section of the support padding. The armrest panel further includes a plurality of buttons integrated in the support padding for receiving inputs from a player, the plurality of buttons including a first button mounted on a first elevation of the support padding and a second button mounted on a second elevation of the support padding. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation relative to the interior surface.

Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, modular gaming terminals, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A gaming machine is presented which includes an input device for receiving wagers to play a wagering game, and a display module with a display device for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The display device is coupled to a display module housing, which includes a male or a female mounting interface. The gaming machine also includes a core module with an electrical bus that electrically connects to the display device. A core housing, which stows the electrical bus and supports the display module, includes the other one of the male and female mounting interfaces. The female mounting interface receives the male mounting interface such that moving the male interface into the female interface automatically aligns the display module with the core module and removably attaches the core housing to the display housing.

Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and reconfigurable gaming display assemblies are disclosed. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game is presented. The gaming machine includes an input device for receiving an indication of a wager to play the wagering game. The gaming machine also includes a cabinet and a display device with a flexible video-display screen. The flexible video-display screen is operable to display aspects of the wagering game. A rigid support assembly is attached to the flexible video-display screen. The rigid support assembly includes one or more support brackets which movably mount the flexible video-display screen to the cabinet. The one or more support brackets are configured to transition towards the rear of the cabinet and thereby physically change the flexible video-display screen from a generally flat configuration to a generally curved configuration.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a light source concealed within a cabinet frame, a light pipe, and a contoured reflective surface. The light pipe has a distal end adjacent to the light source and a proximal end along the cabinet frame and directly viewable from the player position. The light pipe directs the initial light from the distal end to the proximal end such that (a) some initial light exits the proximal end as direct light viewable from the player position and (b) some initial light exits a pipe section, extending between the distal end and the proximal end, as washed light. The contoured reflective surface is adjacent to the proximal end along the cabinet frame, and is configured to receive the washed light from the pipe section and to reflect at least some of the washed light as indirect light viewable from the player position.

Abstract: The present invention is a video poker terminal comprising a housing, first mechanical buttons, and second mechanical buttons. The housing has a horizontal plane that is generally parallel to a floor. The first mechanical buttons are generally located on a plane that intersects the horizontal plane at a first angle ? that is in a range from approximately 10° to 45°. Each of the first buttons produces an output signal in response to a predetermined movement of the button, and includes a variable display for displaying a card. The second mechanical buttons are located below the first mechanical buttons. Each of the second mechanical buttons is located on a plane that intersects the horizontal plane at a second angle ? that is less than the first angle ?. The first mechanical buttons rotate around a pivotable axis that is located on their ends opposite of the second mechanical buttons.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a light source concealed within a cabinet frame, a light pipe, and a contoured reflective surface. The light pipe has a distal end adjacent to the light source and a proximal end along the cabinet frame and directly viewable from the player position. The light pipe directs the initial light from the distal end to the proximal end such that (a) some initial light exits the proximal end as direct light viewable from the player position and (b) some initial light exits a pipe section, extending between the distal end and the proximal end, as washed light. The contoured reflective surface is adjacent to the proximal end along the cabinet frame, and is configured to receive the washed light from the pipe section and to reflect at least some of the washed light as indirect light viewable from the player position.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes one or more display devices configured to display the game, a cabinet housing the one or more display devices, and an alcove defined by a portion of an exterior surface of the cabinet. The alcove is configured to store one or more personal items and permit egress of a fluid from within the alcove.

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.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming machines, gaming systems and utility hook and sensor assemblies are presented. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, at least one display device configured to display aspects of the wagering game, and at least one input device configured to receive an input from a player to play the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a support mechanism that is attached to the cabinet and is configured to support a personal belonging of the player. An alert system is configured to detect the presence or absence, or both, of the personal belonging and/or the player at the gaming terminal, and generate an alert signal in response to the detected presence or absence.