Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security checks, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users. The apparatus may further emit a time varying signal to enhance security.

Abstract: Products and processes are provided in which information is received about a post for an item to be sold. The information may include, e.g., the class and type of item being sold, the reputation of a seller, a floor price below which the item will not be sold, a condition of the item and peripherals included with the item. Based on the received information, a posting payment amount is determined.

Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.

Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.

Abstract: Products and processes are provided for receiving, from a customer via a vending machine, a selection of a first product that is available for dispensing by the vending machine. It is then determined, based on profit inventory management data, a set of products that are available for dispensing by the vending machine. A game is output to the customer; Via the game, a selection of a product from the set of products is received. The selected product and the first product are vended.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method includes providing an offer to enter into a forward commitment agreement, and then receiving an acceptance of the offer. A code is made available after receiving the acceptance. It is determined whether the code has been presented to a vending machine after the step of making the code available. A product is dispensed from a vending machine after the step of determination.

Abstract: Products and processes are provided in which information is received about a post for an item to be sold. The information may include, e.g., the class and type of item being sold, the reputation of a seller, a floor price below which the item will not be sold, a condition of the item and peripherals included with the item. Based on the received information, a posting payment amount is determined.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for determining that a qualifying outcome has been obtained as a result of a game play conducted on a gaming device and determining a buy-in amount for a current play session in which the game play is included. The method further provides for setting, in response to the obtainment of the qualifying outcome, a credit meter balance to the buy-in amount, thereby providing a payout for the qualifying outcome.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a preestablished duration that may span, for example, a predetermined period of time or a period of time that ends upon the occurrence of a predetermined number of game plays or handle pulls, or upon the occurrence of another event. In one or more embodiments, a player is offered a surrender payout and fractional surrender payouts are accumulated for a player until an end of a flat rate play session. In one embodiment, a session strategy may be determined and implemented for a game play of the flat rate play session. The session strategy may be determined, for example, based on a current value of a parameter associated with the flat rate play session (e.g., a value of a credit meter balance and/or a remaining duration of the flat rate play session).

Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription is established by receiving a request to establish a subscription and receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established. The established subscription is identified by a redemption identifier which is communicated to the customer. It is also determined whether the customer is complying with a frequency of the subscription.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for providing promotions at vending machines, such as by providing vending machine subscriptions to a category of products, are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for providing promotions at vending machines, such as by providing vending machine subscriptions to a category of products, are disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a system determines an image, selects a panel of participants, and outputs the image to each of the participants of the panel of participants. The image may be an image of a garment a shopper is considering purchasing, an image of the shopper wearing the garment, or an image of a virtual model of the shopper combined with an image of the garment. The panel of participants may be selected based on a characteristic associated with the shopper. The image may be output to the panel of participants along with a request for an opinion regarding the garment (e.g., “Buy It” or “Don't Buy It”). The responses may be collected from the participants and an indication of the results may be output to the shopper.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided that comprises determining a first strategy for play of a game and a second strategy for play of the game, selecting at least one final outcome of the game that cannot result from the first strategy, and increasing a payout ratio associated with the selected at least one final outcome.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices wherein players may share and combine outcomes or parts thereof. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gaming devices while the casino server, or another device, concurrently facilitates interaction between the group members operating the gaming devices. During the interaction, players may combine outcomes in an attempt to win group prizes. The linked play is terminated according to the group format and a determination is made by the casino server whether the group objective has been achieved. Prizes are awarded via the gaming devices if the group objective was achieved.

Abstract: In accordance with some described embodiments, methods and apparatus are provided for determining a food product and determining a price range defining a maximum price and a minimum price. An indication is stored that the food product may be offered, as a set of one or more food products, in exchange for a round-up amount associated with a purchase, if the round-up amount is in the price range.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices wherein players may share and combine outcomes or parts thereof. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gaming devices while the casino server, or another device, concurrently facilitates interaction between the group members operating the gaming devices. During the interaction, players may combine outcomes in an attempt to win group prizes. The linked play is terminated according to the group format and a determination is made by the casino server whether the group objective has been achieved. Prizes are awarded via the gaming devices if the group objective was achieved.