Abstract: Gaming machines or devices utilize the output of random number generators (RNGs) in the presentation of games, wherein one or more of the RNGs are each assigned to a single player. Each uniquely assigned RNG is used to determine the outcome of the games played only by the assigned player, such as a casino gaming machine or a game board devices accessed via a remote presentation device such as a phone or computer. An RNG may also be stopped or paused and then restarted, whereby a sequence of random data remains continuous or contiguous relative to a number of games played, such as by the single player to which the RNG is assigned. Multiple players may also time-share a gaming machine in a manner whereby the gaming machine acts as a unique device to each player.

Abstract: In a gaming system players are assigned individual gaming devices comprising electronic game boards. Players access their assigned gaming device via a gateway from a remote presentation device such as a player's computer. The gateway confirms the identity of each player so that a player may only access their assigned and dedicated gaming device. A player may link to a game server via their dedicated gaming device, such as to play an on-line poker game. Additional aspects of the invention comprise methods of preventing player collusion in on-line wagering games.

Abstract: A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.

Abstract: In a gaming system players are assigned individual gaming devices comprising electronic game boards. Players access their assigned gaming device via a gateway from a remote presentation device such as a player's computer. The gateway confirms the identity of each player so that a player may only access their assigned and dedicated gaming device. When linked, an assigned gaming device generates wagering game data for presentation upon the player's remote presentation device. A casino may provide a number of traditional gaming machines and a plurality of dedicated or assigned gaming devices which permit remote player play.

Abstract: An opportunity for higher awards for particular winning outcomes in a wagering game enhances the entertainment and enticement provided by a wagering game. In one embodiment, the opportunity is provided when the player has an initial set of indicia which contains a winning outcome. The opportunity allows a player to forgo this initial winning outcome for the chance to obtain increased awards for other winning outcomes. In this manner, the opportunity enhances a wagering game by allowing players a choice to take the award for the initial winning outcome or to risk this award in return for the chance to win increased awards for other winning outcomes. The increased awards for each winning outcome may be slight or substantial depending on the odds of the winning outcome occurring from the player's initial set of indicia.

Abstract: A gaming machine is configured to accept paper currency from a player for use in placing wagers. The paper currency is accepted by a currency recycler which either stores the paper currency in a storage area or a dispensing area. Upon the gaming machine returning value to the paper, such as upon player cash-out, the recycler dispenses currency from the dispensing area. In one embodiment, a plurality of gaming machines communicate with a server which tracks accrued value at the gaming machines and controls the paper currency recyclers, including to change the amount of currency directed to storage versus dispensing area and/or the denomination of the currency routed to those areas.

Abstract: A method and device are configured to remove or reduce the quantity of one or more contaminants from a beverage, such as an alcoholic beverage. A contaminant removing material may be formed into an object or be associated with an object for contact with a beverage. The invention has particular applicability to removing or reducing the sulfite content of an alcoholic beverage and may change other properties of the beverage, such as its color. The contaminant removing material may be associated with a pour spout. The spout may also include one or more air inlets, an aeration mesh or both to aerate a beverage as it is poured. In addition, the pour spout may include one or more magnets to remove contaminants and change other properties of the beverage, such as its taste.

Abstract: Gaming machines utilize the output of random number generators (RNGs) in the presentation of games, wherein one or more of the RNGs is each assigned to a single player. Each uniquely assigned RNG is used to determine the outcome of the games played only by the assigned player, such as games presented by casino gaming machines or via remote or mobile devices. An RNG may also be stopped or paused and then restarted, whereby a sequence of random data remains continuous or contiguous relative to a number of games played, such as by the single player to which the RNG is assigned. Multiple players may also time-share a gaming machine in a manner whereby the gaming machine acts as a unique device to each player.

Abstract: In a method of playing a game, secondary indicia are used to provide information regarding game status. In one embodiment, a wagering game such as video keno, video slots or video poker is presented using one or more first indicia such as keno numbers, cards or slot symbols. Secondary indicia are displayed at one or more times to provide game state information such as information regarding win or loss, matching or un-matching symbols, correct or incorrect selections or the like. Preferably, the secondary indicia have one characteristic or attribute indicating one game state (such as a winning selection or outcome) and another characteristic indicating another game statue (such as a losing selection or outcome). One embodiment of the invention is a keno game in which secondary indicia are displayed to provide information regarding whether the player's selected numbers have matched or not.

Abstract: In a method of presenting or playing a wagering game, if a winning outcome is received in the play of a first game, a first award is awarded and the awards associated with one or more winning outcomes for the game are then enhanced for potential award in a subsequent game or games. In one embodiment, a base pay table or award structure is modified or enhanced, such as by adjusting awards or associating multipliers or bonus values such as progressive awards, to create an enhanced pay table or award structure. The game offers a player an enhanced award if a winning outcome that is received in a first game is repeated within a defined number of subsequent games.

Abstract: A method of presenting and playing a game provides the opportunity for enhanced awards. In one embodiment, if a winning game outcome is a predetermined winning outcome, an enhanced paytable or award is activated. The enhanced paytable or award offers the player a chance for enhanced winnings in one or more subsequent games. The enhanced award may be activated when a particular winning outcome is received in a game and may then be won by repeating that winning outcome in one or more subsequent games. The award might also be won by designating the outcome before a game and then receiving that outcome during the play of the game. The enhanced award or paytable may remain in effect for a period of time or for a certain number of games, and may be triggered, be selected by a player or be selected by a casino.

Abstract: In a gaming system players are assigned individual gaming devices comprising electronic game boards. Players access their assigned gaming device via a gateway from a remote presentation device such as a player's computer. The gateway confirms the identity of each player so that a player may only access their assigned and dedicated gaming device. When linked, an assigned gaming device generates wagering game data for presentation upon the player's remote presentation device. A casino may provide a number of traditional gaming machines and a plurality of dedicated or assigned gaming devices which permit remote player play.

Abstract: Gaming machines or devices utilize the output of random number generators (RNGs) in the presentation of games, wherein one or more of the RNGs are each assigned to a single player. Each uniquely assigned RNG is used to determine the outcome of the games played only by the assigned player, such as a casino gaming machine or a game board devices accessed via a remote presentation device such as a phone or computer. An RNG may also be stopped or paused and then restarted, whereby a sequence of random data remains continuous or contiguous relative to a number of games played, such as by the single player to which the RNG is assigned. Multiple players may also time-share a gaming machine in a manner whereby the gaming machine acts as a unique device to each player.

Abstract: In a gaming system players are assigned individual gaming devices comprising electronic game boards. Players access their assigned gaming device via a gateway from a remote presentation device such as a player's computer. The gateway confirms the identity of each player so that a player may only access their assigned and dedicated gaming device. A player may link to a game server via their dedicated gaming device, such as to play an on-line poker game. Additional aspects of the invention comprise methods of preventing player collusion in on-line wagering games.

Abstract: A jackpot gaming event is initiated with a jackpot having a value. After the gaming event has been initiated, a plurality of players is permitted to play a plurality of base games up to a predetermined maximum number of base games. Once the jackpot gaming event has reached a predetermined level of play, base game play is terminated. An aggregate game score is determined for each of the plurality of players based upon the base games they each played. A determination is then made as to whether one or more of the players have qualified to win the jackpot and, if so, those one or more players are awarded all or a portion of the jackpot. Gaming machines and systems are provided for implementing the jackpot gaming event.

Abstract: A promotion system provides multi-location promotions for a variety of establishments. Establishments may define one or more zones and associate unique promotions to the zones. The promotions may be unique in that no two zones of an may have the same promotions. Users located within a zone may then receive promotions unique to their zone from the promotion system. Typically, users that are less likely to visit or make purchases at an establishment will be sent better promotions than those more likely to visit or make purchases. This is encourages users to visit and make purchases. The promotion system may comprise a promotion server or other data processing or computing device configured to receive promotions from establishments and distribute promotions to users' mobile devices based on the zone in which the user is located.

Abstract: In a method of presenting or playing a wagering game, if a winning outcome is received in the play of a first game, a first award is awarded and one or more awards associated with one or more winning outcomes for the game are then enhanced for potential award in a subsequent game or games. In one embodiment, a base paytable or award structure is modified or enhanced, such as by adjusting awards or associating multipliers or bonus values such as progressive awards, to create an enhanced paytable or award structure. The enhanced paytable or award structure may remain in effect for one subsequent game, a set or random number of games or a time, or until the same or another winning outcome is received in a subsequent game. The game which is presented may vary, such as being a wagering game of video poker, video slots or even a table game. In embodiment, the game offers a player an enhanced award if a winning outcome received in a first game is repeated in a defined number of subsequent games.

Abstract: A system and method permit pausing/saving a game and restarting/restoring a game. In one embodiment, a player may pause a wagering game and then restart or restore that game at a later time and at the same or a different gaming machine. Game state information may be stored on a machine readable medium and then later read from that medium. Alternatively, game state information may be stored remotely from a gaming machine, such as at a remote server. The remotely stored information may be identified by information associated with a machine readable medium issued to the player or other information provided by the player.

Abstract: An opportunity for higher awards for particular winning outcomes in a wagering game enhances the entertainment and enticement provided by a wagering game. In one embodiment, the opportunity is provided when the player has an initial set of indicia which contains a winning outcome. The opportunity allows a player to forgo this initial winning outcome for the chance to obtain increased awards for other winning outcomes. In this manner, the opportunity enhances a wagering game by allowing players a choice to take the award for the initial winning outcome or to risk this award in return for the chance to win increased awards for other winning outcomes. The increased awards for each winning outcome may be slight or substantial depending on the odds of the winning outcome occurring from the player's initial set of indicia.

Abstract: The game freeze feature allows a player to pause or suspend play at a gaming machine and later resume play. The player may suspend play during a game or between games as desired. In one embodiment, the player must provide authenticating information to suspend a game. The authenticating information may subsequently be used to resume the suspended game. If a game is not resumed within an allotted time limit, the player's credits, wager, or both may be forfeited and the game reset to allow a new game to be played. The player may reclaim forfeited wagers and credits by providing the authenticating information used to suspend a game. The game freeze feature provides the benefit of allowing players to reserve gaming machines or to take a break from play.