Abstract: A method for providing game players with an incentive to redeem winnings using a cashless device. The method includes providing a wagering game on a gaming device to a player and allowing the player to transfer value to the gaming device. The value transferred by the player to the gaming device is recorded. A game is presented to the player and the player is allowed to place a wager and play the game. It is determined whether the result of the game is a winning event or a losing event. The recorded value is updated by adding or subtracting from the recorded value depending on whether the result of the game was a winning or losing event. The player is allowed to cash out at least a portion of the updated recorded value using a cashless device. A prize is awarded to the player if the cashout occurs during a certain time period.

Abstract: A progressive prize gaming system including (1) at least one display device having (a) a plurality of prize objects, (b) a prize object holder that holds the prize objects in an individually controlled manner, and (c) a prize object display mechanism for display of selected prize objects to a player; (2) a plurality of gaming devices; and (3) a control device configured to select at least one of the prize objects in the prize object holder and display the selected prize object in order to convey information related to a progressive prize to the player, is disclosed. The progressive prize gaming system may also include a progressive prize display as part of the display device where prize information related to the progressive prize may be displayed. A method for operating the aforementioned progressive prize gaming system is also disclosed where at least one prize object is selected and exhibited to the player to convey information related to the progressive prize.

Abstract: A game apparatus is adapted to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome. At least one character is mounted in association with the game apparatus. Lights are mounted in association with the character. A controller is in communication with the game apparatus and the lights. The controller is adapted to determine the game outcome and to control the lights such that in combination at least one character and one of the lights display the game outcome.

Abstract: A reel device for a gaming machine comprising a chassis configured to support the reel device and a reel structure attached to the chassis. The reel structure has a hub, a frame, and a spoke attached to the hub and the frame. The frame may define the periphery of the reel structure. The periphery of the reel structure may have media adapted to display a symbol to a game player. The reel may further have a board attached to the chassis and a plurality of light-emitting diodes positioned on the board, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes may be adapted to transmit light to at least a portion of the media. The light-emitting diodes may have a plurality of beam angles and output power levels.

Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of prize balls, a ball holder adapted to hold the balls in an individually controlled manner, a controller adapted to select a prize ball, a display mechanism adapted to display the selected prize ball to the player; and a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism. The display device may be combined with a jumbled ball display wherein the balls displayed by the display device appear to originate from the jumbled ball display. The display device may also be combined with a game apparatus that is adapted to allow players to play a game. In this embodiment, the display device may provide a bonus award for the player. Several games are also provided that may be used with the display device. In an alternative embodiment, the jumbled ball display is replaced with a video display device that displays the balls in video form.

Abstract: An animated gaming system that includes a housing configured to hold gaming components, a game controller, a three-dimensional animated figure and at least two display containers located in the housing, is disclosed. The display containers are configured to hold and agitate moveable display objects, for example display balls. The containers are at least partially transparent allowing players to view the moveable display objects, such as in a jumbled ball display. The three-dimensional animated figure includes at least one animated element that is movable and the animated figure can be made to appear to indicate at least one of the containers and subsequent display of a prize object. A gaming method involving use of the animated figure and containers with moveable display objects is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device comprising a display surface. The display surface comprises a plurality of indicia. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and is configured to move the display surface on a first predetermined path. A moveable indicator is included that is configured to indicate at least one indicia appearing on the display surface. A moveable indicator actuator is in communication with the moveable indicator and is configured to move the moveable indicator along a second predetermined path. A controller is in communication with at least one of the display device actuator and the moveable indicator actuator. The controller is configured to position at least one of the display device and the movable indicator so that the movable indicator indicates an indicia appearing on the display surface that conveys a game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device button includes a housing that is partially transparent. The housing is adapted to be mounted to a gaming device. The housing has a cavity. A printed circuit board is mounted in the cavity. At least one light emitting diode is mounted to the printed circuit board. A control circuit is mounted to the printed circuit board for controlling the operation of the light emitting diode.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device including a game apparatus that is adapted to allow a player to play a game. The game apparatus includes a game display that is mounted in association with the game device. The game display includes a pair of objects. A positioning mechanism is connected with at least one of the objects. The positioning mechanism moves the objects such that, in combination, the objects display a symbol. A controller is in communication with the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A gaming device including a game apparatus enabling a player to play the game, the gaming device having: one or more movable display objects located within a housing; a game surface configured to allow interaction of the display objects with one or more receptacle elements capable of receiving the display objects, where the game surface further includes openings capable of receiving each of the receptacle elements; and a receptacle actuator for controlling the position of the receptacle element relative to the game surface, is disclosed. Typically, the receptacle element or the movable display object may be associated with at least one game-related symbol or image corresponding to the prize to be awarded. In addition, a method of playing a game involving placing a wager using the aforementioned gaming device is disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming device having a reservoir for holding a plurality of display objects, an emptying mechanism for causing the display objects to fall out of the reservoir, an actuator for activating the emptying mechanism, and a controller configured to activate the actuator, is disclosed. The gaming device may further include a display area and a display object transport device to move the display objects from the display area to the reservoir. The reservoir of the gaming device may simulate a bank vault where the display objects further simulate coins as they fall out of the bank vault. A gaming method involving the aforementioned device is also disclosed.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device including a game apparatus that is adapted to allow a player to play a game. The game apparatus includes a display object, a prize object and a positioning mechanism. A controller is in communication with the positioning mechanism. The controller is adapted to show the display object to the player and to hide the display object from the player. The controller is further adapted to show the prize object to the player and award a prize. The objects provide an illusion that they disappear and then reappear into view of the player.

Abstract: A gaming device includes a video gaming display and a mechanical indicator. The gaming device has a video display that can display several prize positions. A moveable indicator points to at least one of the prize positions. A controller is in communication with the video display and the moveable indicator. The controller causes the moveable indicator to move to a selected position and the video display to display a video presentation. The controller further causes the video display to display a prize indicia such that the moveable indicator and video display in combination indicate a game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device including a housing, a support structure with an attached rotatable display device located in the housing, a plurality of display objects, and a transport device configured to move the display objects to the display device where the display objects are deposited and fall off of the display device, is disclosed. The display device may simulate an umbrella where the display objects further simulate rain drops as they fall off of the display device. A method of display and a gaming method involving the aforementioned device, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming device has a primary game that includes several reels. An organic light emitting diode display is mounted to at least one of the reels. A bonus game is mounted in association with the primary game. A method is also disclosed for allowing a player to play a primary gaming device. The primary gaming device provides at least one bonus qualifying event. At least one symbol is displayed on an organic light emitting diode display. If the at least one bonus qualifying event occurs, a bonus game is activated. The player is allowed to play the bonus game and any prizes are awarded to the player. In another embodiment, the organic light emitting diode display is mounted with a bonus game and can be used to display a bonus game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device has a primary game that includes several reels. An organic light emitting diode display is mounted to at least one of the reels. A bonus game is mounted in association with the primary game. A method is also disclosed for allowing a player to play a primary gaming device. The primary gaming device provides at least one bonus qualifying event. At least one symbol is displayed on an organic light emitting diode display. If the at least one bonus qualifying event occurs, a bonus game is activated. The player is allowed to play the bonus game and any prizes are awarded to the player. In another embodiment, the organic light emitting diode display is mounted with a bonus game and can be used to display a bonus game outcome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device and gaming method. The method includes allowing a player to place a wager and play a game of chance. A game outcome is determined. The game outcome can include awarding a prize. If the game outcome includes awarding a prize, a display is activated. A variable prize is determined. The prize is shown on the display to the player. The prize is a multiple of the player's salary. The player's salary is verified and the multiple of the player's salary is awarded to the player. In another embodiment, the prize is substantially equal to the amount of one of the player's debts. The player's debt is verified and the player's debt is paid.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device including a game apparatus adapted to allow a player to play a game. The gaming device may include several moveable prize objects. The gaming device may also include a prize object holder adapted to hold the prize objects. The prize objects may be allowed to move within the prize object holder. A controller may be in communication with the game apparatus. The controller may be adapted to determine the game outcome. The controller can be adapted to move the prize object holder to display the game outcome to the player.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus having a display area with a prize object holder that releasably holds a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner; a rotatable display element having a cavity to receive at least one of the prize objects; and a positioning mechanism which transfers a selected prize object from the prize object holder to the rotatable display element, is disclosed. A controller causes the positioning mechanism to transfer the selected prize object from the prize object holder to the rotatable display element. In one embodiment, the cavity of the rotatable display element may include a plurality of barrier elements which at least partially impede movement of a selected prize object disposed within the rotatable display element. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming device base having a storage area configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item is disclosed. The gaming device base further includes a horizontal support member having a substantially flat surface to support at least one gaming device. The gaming device base further has at least one door positioned beneath the horizontal support member and also may have at least one edge. The door includes the storage area configured to store the non-currency gaming item and further may be moved from an open to a closed position; the door may also include an angled portion. In the open position, the storage area may be accessed and, in the closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member. Players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch or extend their legs behind the edge of the horizontal support member.