Abstract: A gaming system samples information from a mobile device that is connected to a gaming network for use by at least one electronic gaming machine (EGM) included in the gaming network.

Abstract: A system that tracks information related to security events in a gaming environment includes a plurality of gaming machines, a database storing data regarding security events, and a security event tracking server in communication with the gaming machines and database. Each gaming machine can have an electronic tracking device adapted to detect wirelessly identifying information from portable electronic devices proximate the gaming machine with respect to the occurrence of a security event at or near the gaming machine. The server includes a processor configured to receive information regarding security events and mobile device identifying information, associate the security events with the identifying information, and store the associated security events and identifying information to the database. Mobile device identifying information can be detected passively without any affirmative input by any user of the mobile devices.

Abstract: A gaming system employs a device security firewall having a plurality of rules and an inclusion list of a plurality of devices allowed to operate on a gaming device for determining acceptable data traffic on the gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled mobile devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can be configured to convert a presentation of an outcome of a wager-based game played on an electronic gaming machine (EGM) into a social media presentation that can be uploaded to a social media site. In one embodiment, a copy of an image showing the outcome of the wager-based that is output on an EGM can be incorporated into the social media presentation. Then, the social media presentation can be uploaded from the EGM to a player's mobile device or directly to a social media site.

Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled mobile devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can be configured to convert a presentation of an outcome of a wager-based game played on an electronic gaming machine (EGM) into a social media presentation that can be uploaded to a social media site. In one embodiment, a copy of an image showing the outcome of the wager-based that is output on an EGM can be incorporated into the social media presentation. Then, the social media presentation can be uploaded from the EGM to a player's mobile device or directly to a social media site.

Abstract: A gaming system sends a transfer verification message containing mobile payment transfer information for providing the transfer verification for completion of a mobile payment transfer, wherein an audit trail is maintained.

Abstract: A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to request a thin client game from a game server for presentation within a thin client. The outcome of the thin client game is determined by the game server. The gaming machine is also configured to execute a thick client game determined by the gaming machine. Indications of the outcomes of the thin and thick client games may be provided to a data collection device.

Abstract: Disclosed are electronic gaming machines, methods and systems for gaming device configuration and gaming device software distribution. An electronic gaming machine is configured to detect whether a primary portable storage device is in communication with the electronic gaming machine. The primary portable storage device may be configured to store a boot image. The boot image may include a boot code, an operating system, and a framework application. The framework application may be configured to search and execute a pluggable module according to instructions provided by the pluggable module. The framework application may also include instructions configured to determine whether at least one of the one or more pluggable modules includes a signature and execute the at least one pluggable module when it is determined that the at least one pluggable module includes the signature.

Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. When a transaction is initiated on an EGM that requires the input of Sensitive Information data, such data can be input directly from the Player/Patrons Portable Electronic Device. Hence, such input of their Sensitive Information data is more discrete, and generally out of plain view from the other Player/Patrons.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing a voting point leaderboard system. Players playing wagering games may be awarded voting points for use in a poll with a plurality of candidates in exchange for game-play related activity. Players voting for the winning candidate in the poll may be given an award. Polls may include candidates which may be involved in a real-world contest. Players may be rewarded for voting for the candidate which wins the real-world contest.

Abstract: Techniques and equipment for providing a voting point leaderboard system are provided. Players playing wagering games may be awarded voting points for use in a poll with a plurality of candidates in exchange for game-play related activity. Players voting for the winning candidate in the poll may be given an award. Polls may include candidates which may be involved in a real-world contest. Players may be rewarded for voting for the candidate which wins the real-world contest.

Abstract: Techniques and equipment for providing a voting point leaderboard system are provided. Players playing wagering games may be awarded voting points for use in a poll with a plurality of candidates in exchange for game-play related activity. Players voting for the winning candidate in the poll may be given an award. Polls may include candidates which may be involved in a real-world contest. Players may be rewarded for voting for the candidate which wins the real-world contest.

Abstract: A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to request a thin client game from a game server for presentation within a thin client. The outcome of the thin client game is determined by the game server. The gaming machine is also configured to execute a thick client game determined by the gaming machine. Indications of the outcomes of the thin and thick client games may be provided to a data collection device.

Abstract: Techniques and equipment for providing a voting point leaderboard system are provided. Players playing wagering games may be awarded voting points for use in a poll with a plurality of candidates in exchange for game-play related activity. Players voting for the winning candidate in the poll may be given an award. Polls may include candidates which may be involved in a real-world contest. Players may be rewarded for voting for the candidate which wins the real-world contest.

Abstract: Techniques and equipment for providing a voting point leaderboard system are provided. Players playing wagering games may be awarded voting points for use in a poll with a plurality of candidates in exchange for game-play related activity. Players voting for the winning candidate in the poll may be given an award. Polls may include candidates which may be involved in a real-world contest. Players may be rewarded for voting for the candidate which wins the real-world contest.

Abstract: A gaming system including wager-based electronic gaming machines compatible with mobile devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to establish temporary communication connections with mobile devices. After a communication connection is established with a mobile device, the EGM can be configured to utilize the network access capabilities of the mobile device to access a wide area network, such as the Internet. In one embodiment, the EGM can be configured to push data, such as fault condition data, to a remote device via the wide area network connection. In another embodiment, owners of the mobile devices, which can be a player playing the EGM, can receive incentives for allowing the EGM to utilize its network access capabilities.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a cabinet, a display mounted to the cabinet, a wireless interface for communicating with a portable electronic device, a network interface for communicating with a validation server, a bill validator coupled to a game controller configured to accept bills and printed ticket vouchers, and a removable cash box. The game controller includes a processor and a memory configured to control a wager-based game played on the EGM, redeem virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers, receive an indication to transfer value to the EGM via a virtual ticket voucher, receive the virtual ticket voucher including a virtual ticket voucher validation number from the portable electronic device via the wireless interface, validate the virtual ticket voucher with the validation server via the network interface, deposit a credit amount associated with the virtual ticket voucher, and notify the validation server that the virtual ticket voucher is redeemed.

Abstract: Frameworks for providing modular computer program code and automated configuration of server-based gaming environments are disclosed. One or more “pluggable” modular gaming modifier can be provided for the modular computer program code without requiring the replacement of the entire computer program code for the game. Typically, the pluggable” modular gaming modifier can be added to or can replace one or more gaming modules or sub-modules, thereby requiring less time and effort for effectively modifying game presentation. In addition, configuration data can be generated and stored as configurations templates which can be used to configure one or more gaming machines in an automated manner. The configuration templates can be generated based on gaming modules and/or sub-modules provided for modular computer program code.

Abstract: A method for establishing communication between a portable electronic device and an electronic gaming machine within a gaming environment includes receiving wireless signal data transmitted from the portable electronic device, determining a wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine based on the wireless signal data, and based on a determination that the wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine has increased, exceeded a predetermined threshold level, and leveled off for an amount of time exceeding a time threshold after becoming stronger, initiating a wireless communication link between the electronic gaming machine and the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The gaming system disclosed herein changes the focal point of a display device at different points in time to assist the player in focusing on different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time. Specifically, the gaming system displays a plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games on a display device. In response to a designated event occurring in association with a specific one of the plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games, the gaming system changes the focal point of the display device to draw the player's focus or attention to that specific one of the simultaneously or concurrently played games. Put differently, the gaming system dynamically allocates and/or indicates different portions of a display device to different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time to account for different events occurring in such simultaneously or concurrently played games.