Abstract: An apparatus comprising a controller, a data storage device (114), a user operable user interface (116) and a display apparatus (118), wherein the controller is to execute stored instructions to operate to implement a gaming process comprising a first stage operation and a second stage operation. A method of implementing a gaming process by a machine comprising a solid-state controller comprising a microprocessor (112), wherein the gaming process comprises a first stage operation and a second stage operation.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a controller, a data storage device, a user operable user interface and a display apparatus, wherein the controller is to execute stored instructions to implement an interactive process involving interaction between the machine and a user or a plurality of users. A method of interaction involving a computer-controlled machine and a user or a plurality of users, wherein the method comprises the machine devising an animated scene on a video display device, the animated scene comprising a plurality of moving target objects and a user operable target capture apparatus.

Abstract: A method of interaction between a machine and a player or a plurality of players, the method comprising the machine selecting a predetermined plurality of information bearing devices from a predetermined plurality of available information bearing devices as a selected plurality of information bearing devices upon initiation by a player. The machine organizing the selected plurality of information bearing devices for display on a visual display apparatus and the visual display apparatus displaying the selected plurality of information bearing devices as a set of selected information bearing devices in a in first orderly manner representing a first display order.

Abstract: A computer-controller gaming apparatus comprises a computer-controlled platform which is to execute stored instructions to integrate modular game components and to run a computer-controlled game. The game modules comprise component modules including a control module and a contents module, and the modules contains essential communication interfaces to facilitate inter-module data communication so that a game can be constructed from essential modules, with the essential modules containing no reference to identification of the component modules.

Abstract: A pachinko machine having a simulated stage, a simulated launcher and a simulated ball or simulated balls which are to appear on a display screen of an electronic display device upon execution of instructions by a microprocessor; wherein the simulated stage is partitioned into an entry region, an exit region and an intermediate region interconnecting the entry region and the exit region; wherein the simulated ball after entry into the simulated stage is to transit from the entry region to the exit region following a transition path; wherein the transition path is one of a plurality of transition paths available and the transition paths are associated with transition probabilities which are defined in a transition matrix.

Abstract: A method of interaction between a machine and a player or a plurality of players, the method comprising the machine selecting a predetermined plurality of information bearing devices from a predetermined plurality of available information bearing devices as a selected plurality of information bearing devices upon initiation by a player. The machine organizing the selected plurality of information bearing devices for display on a visual display apparatus and the visual display apparatus displaying the selected plurality of information bearing devices as a set of selected information bearing devices in a in first orderly manner representing a first display order.

Abstract: A gaming method or apparatus for playing by one host and at least one player and having a set of rules provides at least one feature which is exercisable by a player before making the decision and upon payment or receipt of a valuable consideration. Exercise of the feature by the player is to result in an apparent increase but an actual decrease in average return-to-player or long-term probability of winning by the player after taking into account the valuable consideration paid or received by the player.