Abstract: Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus that may include a display unit capable of generating video images, a value input unit, and a controller operatively couple to the display unit and the value input unit. The controller may further comprise a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to facilitate play of a first game, and a second game following play of the first game. The second game may represent a matching game in which a user is prompted, by the controller, to select a visually perceptible image from a plurality of selectable visually perceptible images. The controller may further be programmed to determine a payout value based on the number of displayed images matching the image selected by the user. The payout value may be based payout factors corresponding to the number of displayed images matched during play of the second game.

Abstract: A player configurable video gaming machine in which a player may select one or more configuration inputs to play a previously configured default game or to create a new game configuration. Additionally, each game configuration may be saved to be implemented in various gaming machines.

Abstract: Gaming devices dispense tickets which are unrelated to a player's success on a particular game played on a gaming device or to the player's credits on a credit meter or other “cash out” indicator. The gaming devices provide gaming awards and also provide tickets. Other methods provide tickets during the play of wagering games. Still other embodiments comprise lottery terminals which dispense tickets other than those purchased by a lottery patron or won on a purchased lottery ticket.

Abstract: A video game allows a player to improve odds of success in a bonus game by winning an advantage outcome in association with play of a primary or base game. An exemplary bonus game is the game of Pong where the player can use advantage credits won in play of the primary or base game to provide himself with an advantage such as lengthening his paddle, shortening his opponent's paddle, or slowing the shrinkage rate of his paddle during the course of the bonus game. Alternatively, he may also purchase one or more advantages for use in the bonus game through monetary payment.

Abstract: A competitive, matrix type game includes a matrix on which game pieces of two or more gamers, one of which may be a computer, are positioned. Each gamer positions a game piece on the matrix upon receiving a turn. The game pieces of one or more other gamers may be captured when a gamer positions or repositions one of his or her game pieces at an opposite end of a linear (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) sequence of game pieces opposite from another, like game piece belonging to that gamer. Alternatively, a capturing event may occur when a gamer positions more than two game pieces along the same line of the matrix. The game may be effected manually or electronically, and may comprise a stand-alone game or a bonus event to a primary game. Gaming machines and systems that may be used to implement play of the game are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a partial outcome reel-type slot machine game. To initiate play, a player places at least one wager in the slot machine. At least one partial outcome is generated and displayed by the slot machine in a pattern which may be, depending on the game architecture, determined by the slot machine or selected by the player. The player then strategically selects one or more pay lines based on the displayed partial outcome. The final outcome is generated by the slot machine and the player is rewarded if a winning combination is present in the selected pay line or lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gaming systems and methods where enablement for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a primary game. A player may qualify for the bonus game by preselected criteria associated with play of the primary game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and compete against one another in one or more rounds to achieve a final winning outcome based on the individual player's skill, strategy, or knowledge. The player who achieves the final winning outcome at the end of a plurality of rounds of the bonus game is awarded a bonus pool funded by a portion of wagers accumulated during play of the primary game.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods where qualification for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a base game. Multiple players may qualify for the bonus game by achieving preselected criteria associated with play of the base game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and achieve a bonus game outcome based on the player's skill or strategy. The bonus game outcome may allow the player to accumulate bonus awards. In addition, the bonus game outcome may impede or terminate the player's movement in the bonus game. Each player's movement in the bonus game may depend on his or her continued play in the base game. Each qualified player may also eliminate other qualified players by occupying the same space in the bonus game.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping multiple game entries in a single gaming event. Individual gaming spaces, each representing an outcome associated with play of a game, are divided into selection spaces. Each gaming space includes an equal number of associated selection spaces. The selection spaces are in substantially the same relative locations throughout each of the gaming spaces and each selection space in the same relative location within each gaming space comprises one of a set of selection spaces to enable one entry to the gaming event. Paper and video apparatus embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of weighting odds in shared bonus events and gaming systems and devices configured for weighting odds in shared bonus events. A number of participations or entries by the same gaming machine or player entity may be obtained for a shared bonus event in association with play of a base or primary game, allowing the odds of winning the shared bonus event to be weighted.

Abstract: Methods of playing games and gaming systems and devices useful for playing games. Gaming devices include a first gaming unit for randomly selecting and displaying indicia associated with play of a primary game and for generating a signal relating to play on the first gaming unit. The gaming device also includes a second gaming unit connected to the first gaming unit for conducting an ongoing bonus game and enabling participation by a player in the ongoing bonus game in response to a signal generated by the first gaming unit. The ongoing bonus game may be administered by and communicated from a second gaming unit in the form of a host server to a number of networked gaming devices. Players may enter and exit play of the ongoing bonus game while it is still in progress, participating only in a segment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gaming systems and methods where enablement for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a primary game. A player may qualify for the bonus game by preselected criteria associated with play of the primary game. At least one player is enabled to play the bonus game against at least one other player by assuming a role of the house. At least one other player is enabled to play the bonus game against the house. The at least one player who assumes the house role may be awarded the wagers, or a percentage of the wagers, lost by the at least one other player wagering against the house.

Abstract: A gaming system for implementing coinless gaming environment having a central processing system interconnected to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of change machines. The central processing system includes a processor and a memory having a plurality of memory locations for storing data. Each memory location is identified by a unique address in memory. In communication with the central processing system are a plurality of gaming machines having an input for accepting encoded media and an input for accepting standard paper currency. The gaming machines also contain an output including a bar code printer for encoding and distributing gaming coupons to a player. The central processing is also in communication with one or more change machines having an input for accepting gaming coupons, an input for accepting paper currency and an output for generating and dispensing encoded gaming coupons and an output for dispensing value either in the form of paper currency and/or coins.

Abstract: A gaming terminal includes at least one articulating element. The articulating element may be a monitor that may be moved along one or more axes, either automatically or by a gamer. A flat panel display may be used as the monitor of such a gaming terminal to facilitate articulation thereof. Due to the use of a flat panel display, the gaming terminal may be relatively compact when compared with conventional gaming terminals. Further compactness of the gaming terminal may be achieved by omitting elements for receiving, retaining, and dispensing currency. The gaming terminal may be part of a gaming network, which may also include on or more of a network server and an automated cashier. Methods for adjusting an articulating element of the gaming terminal are disclosed, as are methods for using a cashless gaming system.

Abstract: A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for metered, raffle-style gaming implemented over a distributed network of locations and suitable for use in lottery and casino gaming environments. Potential winning numbers are issued in an order determined by relative time of a request for a number as received by a central controller, in comparison to the timing of other requests received by the controller, and matched to one or more known or predictable winning numbers. Time entries placed by players and compared to one or more target times may also be used to determine winning outcomes.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of gaming and related gaming devices and systems. A base, or primary game is employed wherein qualification for an additional feature event is based upon one or more predetermined activities associated with the primary game. The primary game may include a slot machine type game, video poker, or other electronic or electro mechanical type gaming machines. The feature event wagering opportunity for which qualification is sought to be earned by a player may include a live contest, a re-enacted live contest, or what is termed herein a future feature contest. Banks of machines may be networked for qualified participation in the feature event and such networking may include the linking of machines at remote locations and even the inclusion of gaming conducted via the Internet.

Abstract: A tournament gaming system is disclosed including one or more gaming machines programmed for play of at least one tournament game. A plurality of gaming machines may be linked for tournament play, as through a host computer. Qualification for tournament play may at least in part effectuated through participation in one or more primary games at a gaming machine programmed for tournament play. Tournament games may be conducted at a predetermined minimum rate of play. Variable rates of play responsive to specific game outcomes during tournament games are also disclosed.