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: Methods and devices of the invention may be utilized to remove or reduce the quantity of one or more contaminants from a foodstuff, and particularly an alcoholic beverage. A contaminant removing material is formed into an object or is associated with an object. The beverage and the object are placed into contact with one another, such as by placing the object in the beverage or pouring the beverage over, through or into the object. The invention has particular applicability to removing or reducing the sulfite content of an alcoholic beverage. The contaminant removing object may be marked with information which identifies the one or more contaminants to be removed. A material may also be introduced to change other properties of the foodstuff, such as the color of a beverage.

Abstract: In a method of presenting or playing a wagering game, if a winning outcome is received, a first award is awarded and one or more awards associated with one or more winnings 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, to create an enhanced paytable or award structure. The enhanced paytable or award structure may remain in effect for one subsequent game, a set 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.

Abstract: This gaming machine and method includes both individual and multi-player lottery aspects. Players play individual wagering games for individualized results. In addition, upon achievement of a set of at least one predesignated result within such wagering individual game, a player receives an entry into a lottery drawing. For example, in one embodiment, where the underlying individual game is a dice game, players achieve an aggregate score which, if high enough, entitles a player to receive a lottery entry. At a predetermined point, a lottery drawing is held, selecting a winner from among the potential lottery entries, regardless of whether such entry has been distributed or not. If such entry has been distributed, the lottery prize is awarded. If not, the lottery prize is not awarded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a game provides for varying payouts depending on changing odds for receiving winning combinations. In one embodiment, the magnitude of an award or payout for a winning game outcome increases as the odds of receiving the outcome decreases. In games played with indicia, awards or payouts may increase as the number of indicia used in the game is decreased. In other embodiments, the magnitude of an award or payout for a winning game outcome decreases as the odds or receiving the outcome increases.

Abstract: A method of playing a game includes the step of generating or displaying a set of player symbols in at least one row or a matrix of multiple rows. A set of game symbols is generated or displayed, the symbols arranged in a row. The row of game symbols is compared to at least one of the rows of player symbols. If symbols in corresponding positions of the row of game and player symbols are the same, a match is declared. The outcome of the game is determined by arrangements of matched symbols. In one embodiment, the game is presented as a multi-player game. In one embodiment, rows of game symbols are displayed sequentially and compared sequentially to rows of the player's symbols in the matrix.

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: A poker game offers the play of multiple poker hands with large payoffs. In one embodiment, multiple hands of cards are generated. The outcome of the game is declared a winning outcome if successive hands have a higher rank than previous hands. In one embodiment, a winning outcome may also be declared if particular hands comprise predetermined winning ranks of cards. In another embodiment, groups of poker hands are generated and a winning result is declared if the highest rank of any of the cards of a successive group exceeds the highest rank of any of the hands of the previous group. Poker hands of the games may be generated stud or draw style.