Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device that provides a player with an opportunity to maximize a gaming device award. The game presents the player with a display having a plurality of groups of masked awards and enables the player to choose a masked award from each of the groups. The game does not reveal the selected award and preferably provides an indication of which masked awards the player selected. The game then provides the player with one or more opportunities to upgrade the total award. In one optimization embodiment, the player upgrades the total award having only a total award indicator to guide the player. In another optimization embodiment, the game additionally provides an indication of the possible awards. In a further optimization embodiment, the game provides an indication of the possible awards and additionally the number of each that the player has selected.

Abstract: A gaming machine with an extendable bet button. In most known gaming machines, the bet button is the most often accessed control of the gaming machine. In order to improve player comfort, an extendable bet button is provided which enables a player to lean back while playing a gaming machine to provide increased player comfort. The extendable bet button is carried by the front housing portion in an non-extended position similar to conventional gaming machines. In accordance with the present invention, the extendable bet button is connected to the gaming machine by way of an electrical cable which allows the extendable bet button to be pulled away from the machine to improve player comfort. A stop assembly is provided to prevent the extendable bet button from being pulled out of the machine. The electrical cable may be provided as an armored cable to prevent unauthorized access as well as protect the cable from wear.

Abstract: A dual action access door for a gaming machine that is formed from the lower front housing portion. In order to minimize the space required between adjacent gaming machines, while providing full access to the interior of the machine, the front housing portion is carried by a door chassis which enables the front housing portion to move in a drawer-like manner from a fully closed position to an extended position. In order to provide full access to the interior of the gaming machine, the front housing portion is pivotally connected on one end to the door chassis to enable the door to pivot about an axis generally parallel to a vertical datum in at least a partially extended position of the door chassis. One or more latching mechanisms may be provided to latch the front housing portion to latch the front housing portion in a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method affords, to authorized persons, access to one or more lockable areas of one or more gaming machines. Each area includes a door or switch and an associated electrically operable lock mechanism which controls access to the area either directly, or indirectly by controlling enablement of an associated manual key-operated latch assembly. Each machine has a local processor communicating with a central host computer and with lock processors for each of its lockable areas. Personnel identification and access authorization data is stored at the host computer. Part of the data may also be stored on personal data cards, respectively assigned to individual persons. A person seeking access inputs identification data at the machine, using a card reader or other data input device, and the host computer responds with signals to unlock lock mechanisms for areas which the identified person is authorized to access. Each machine monitors, and sends to the host, the states of all of its locks and doors.

Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein the success or failure of a current selection directly affects the player's chances for success in a later selection and the player's chances for obtaining the highest bonus award possible.

Abstract: A gaming machine, which provides improved player comfort, is provided with a housing including footrests. The footrests are disposed on opposite ends of the front portion of the housing near the bottom and may be integrally formed with the front portion of the housing. Normally standard gaming stools are provided with footrests which force a player to maintain a single position while playing a game. The integrated footrests in the housing of the gaming machine are disposed at a height relatively higher than the footrests in a standard gaming stool thus allowing a player to change positions and lean back to reduce fatigue.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein the player takes part in a contest or competition, the success of which determines the player's bonus award. The gaming device provides the player with a predetermined number of chances to achieve higher bonus score. The success or failure of a current selection directly affects the player's chances for success in a later selection and the player's chances for obtaining the highest bonus award possible. The bonus scheme also displays, in accordance with the theme of the competition, how the player either succeeds in the competition or fails. The scheme provides the player with opportunities to achieve a position having a higher bonus value or to accrue bonus awards based upon whether the player succeeds or fails at a particular aspect of the contest or competitive environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device and more specifically a front door of a gaming device that has a moveable and/or removable bolster that swings out of the way, so that an operator may open the door without the bolster hitting the bolster of an adjacent gaming device. The front door is pivotally connected to the gaming device using one or more hinges and facilitates access to the interior of the gaming machine. The moveable and/or removable bolster pivotally attaches to the door. In one preferred embodiment, when unlocked, the bolster automatically swings open to a preliminary angle, whereby the operator lifts the bolster to the predefined operating angle. In one alternative embodiment, when unlocked, the bolster automatically swings open to the predefined operating angle.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes main and secondary displays. The secondary display is disposed apart from the primary display and is used for presenting primary, secondary, or even tertiary information. The main display is controlled electronically by a gaming machine controller, which main display presents the results of a play on the gaming machine. In the case of a slot machine, the main display may be the glass display through which the spinning reels of a game play are viewed. In a video poker gaming machine, the main display is usually a cathode ray tube (“CRT”) which displays a video game image to the player and other information directly associated with the game play. The secondary display may be provided at various locations on the gaming machine such as in a top glass portion of the gaming machine or a belly glass portion of the gaming machine, which belly glass portion is located below a main display portion of the gaming machine.