Abstract: A restricted-access progressive game is accessed only by a single player or a select group of players. The invention includes a method of operating a wagering game that comprises conducting the wagering game at a gaming terminal (10) that is capable of providing access to the restricted-access progressive game. The method further comprises determining, via a player-identification input, whether a player has access to the restricted-access progressive game, and activating the restricted-access progressive game in response to the determining step being positive. To conduct the method, a gaming terminal (10) comprises a player-identification device (24) providing information to the gaming terminal (10). The information is used for determining whether the player has access to the restricted-access progressive game. The gaming terminal (10) further comprises a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game and the outcome of the restricted-access progressive game.

Abstract: A two wire exchange system is disclosed that enables a gaming device having one communication port to function as a gaming device having a plurality of communication ports. The two-wire exchange system allows a gaming device having only a single communication port to connect to two or more system hosts simultaneously. The two wire exchange system is an intelligent multiplexer that communicates using the same protocol as the system hosts to which it is connected. The two-wire exchange system has the ability to respond to a poll from the system host by indicating that the gaming device is busy, and that the system host should poll the gaming device again. This is provided to avoid and to prevent data collisions.

Abstract: A gaming terminal comprises an input device for receiving a player card during a wagering game. The input device has a reading component(s) for reading at least two different media on the game card. The gaming terminal includes a display for displaying a randomly selected game outcome and information related to different functions associated with the two different media on the game card. A method of operating a wagering game comprises storing data in at least one database and receiving, at a gaming terminal, a player card from a player. The player card includes first and second distinct media. The first and second media provide information to the gaming terminal. The method includes performing a first function in response to comparing the information on the first media with the data, and performing a second function in response to comparing the information on the second media with the data.

Abstract: A gaming system for playing a restricted-access progressive game comprises a database containing data, including a list of players having access to the restricted-access progressive game. The system includes a gaming terminal with a connection port for coupling the gaming terminal to the data-base. The gaming terminal has a player-identification device providing player information. The information is compared with data in the database to determine whether the restricted-access progressive game can be activated and game information displayed at the gaming terminal. A method of operating the progressive game comprises receiving a player-identification input at the gaming terminal and transmitting a player-identifier signal from the gaming terminal to a remotely located controller that determines accessibility to the progressive game.

Abstract: A method of operating a progressive wagering game comprises conducting multiple sessions of a wagering game at a gaming terminal by receiving wagers from first and second players and providing access to a restricted-access progressive game to only the first player. The progressive game has a progressive jackpot funded by a portion of the first player's wagers. Alternatively stated, the method includes denying access to the progressive game to the second player such that only the first player is eligible to win the jackpot. Further, the restricted-access progressive game may comprise conducting, at a gaming terminal, a first set of sessions of a wagering game with a first group of players, and a second set of sessions of a wagering game with a second group of players. A first progressive jackpot is eligible to only the first group, while a second progressive jackpot is eligible to only the second group.

Abstract: A two wire exchange system is disclosed that enables a gaming device having one communication port to function as a gaming device having a plurality of communication ports. The two-wire exchange system allows a gaming device having only a single communication port to connect to two or more system hosts simultaneously. The two wire exchange system is an intelligent multiplexer that communicates using the same protocol as the system hosts to which it is connected. The two-wire exchange system has the ability to respond to a poll from the system host by indicating that the gaming device is busy, and that the system host should poll the gaming device again. This is provided to avoid and to prevent data collisions.

Abstract: A two wire exchange system is disclosed that enables a gaming machine having one communication port to function as a gaming machine having a plurality of communication ports. The two-wire exchange system allows a gaming machine having only a single communication port to connect to two or more system hosts simultaneously. The two wire exchange system is an intelligent multiplexer that communicates using the same protocol as the system hosts to which it is connected. The two-wire exchange system has the ability to respond to a poll from the system host by indicating that the gaming machine is busy, and that the system host should poll the gaming machine again. This is provided to avoid and to prevent data collisions.