Patents by Inventor Dennis W. Lockard

Dennis W. Lockard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9105148
    Abstract: A method of operating a gaming system is disclosed. The method includes: enabling, using one or more processors, play of a first game on a gaming machine; enabling, using one or more processors, play of a second game on a user interface that is operatively coupled to the gaming machine, wherein the gaming system enables a player to choose which bonus game to play out of a plurality of bonus games independent of player ranking and bonus level, wherein each of the plurality of bonus games may be initiated on demand, wherein once the player chooses the bonus game to play on demand, the chosen bonus game is presented to the player via the player tracking user interface; and enabling, using one or more processors, wherein the gaming system enables a player to activate the second game displayed on the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Patent number: 8968095
    Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20140179390
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a secondary gaming feature across affiliated properties, which includes enabling secondary game elements based upon based upon the wagering activity of the player at a base game. When the elements have been enabled a winning or losing outcome for the secondary game may be derived. In certain embodiments the player may select from one or more secondary games. The player may wager upon the secondary game using promotional funds. The secondary game may be a progressive game whose prize is funded based upon player wagering activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Cowder, Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Patent number: 8734239
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Dennis W. Lockard, Frank J. Silvestro, Thomas P. Doyle, Ronald C. Gallaway
  • Patent number: 8678902
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Patent number: 8678901
    Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20130337898
    Abstract: A disclosed method provides for tournament gaming. The method comprises: allowing a wager on non-modified base game in normal mode and awarding pay table prize for a winning event on said base game; monitoring said base game wager and win data; processing a calculated normalized tournament score using said monitored data spanning multiple base game plays; and providing a tournament game and awarding a tournament prize to at least one tournament winner; wherein the tournament score calculation also uses the theoretical payout percentage for the base game in determining player ranking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Patent number: 8568218
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20130029745
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a secondary gaming feature across affiliated properties, which includes enabling secondary game elements based upon based upon the wagering activity of the player at a base game. When the elements have been enabled a winning or losing outcome for the secondary game may be derived. In certain embodiments the player may select from one or more secondary games. The player may wager upon the secondary game using promotional funds. The secondary game may be a progressive game whose prize is funded based upon player wagering activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Patent number: 8353761
    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. Additionally, a random number generation algorithm tests to determine if there is a progressive prize win at each predetermined time period. The selectable targeted progressive prize time is used to calculate the predetermined time period for testing for a progressive prize win.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Dennis W. Lockard, Frank J. Silvestro, Thomas P. Doyle, Ronald C. Gallaway
  • Publication number: 20120108323
    Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20120109344
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20120088572
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20120077570
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20120004746
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20120004747
    Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20110281654
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20110270425
    Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20110269535
    Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Publication number: 20110269549
    Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, JR., Jeffrey C. Tallcott