Abstract: A gaming system comprising tablet-style gaming terminals that uses centrally determined game outcomes to generate both a simulated primary game and a multiplicity of bonus games are revealed. The predetermined outcome bonus games are designed to mimic actual Nevada-style bonus games using novel methods to both create the look-and-feel of the actual bonus games as well as being able to use existing central determination game system protocols, which have severe limitations in their message fields.

Abstract: A gaming system that uses centrally determined game outcomes to generate both a simulated primary game and a multiplicity of bonus games are revealed. The predetermined outcome bonus games are designed to mimic actual Nevada-style bonus games using novel methods to both create the look-and-feel of the actual bonus games as well as being able to use existing central determination game system protocols, which have severe limitations in their message fields.

Abstract: A system and method for adding a bonus round to any poker-style card game on a Nevada-style gaming machine. The bonus round is characterized by the existence of a match card. The match card is not part of the traditional poker hand (the “in-hand” cards) of the player, and only comes into play during a bonus round. The suit and value of the match card may be generated by the game machine or a remote game controller or backend server. The match card is then displayed in a manner visually associating the match card with one of the player's “in-hand” cards. A bonus is determined by evaluating the associated pair. Alternatively a bonus may be determined first, in which case the game machine determines a match card and associated card from the player's in-hand cards that is the equivalent of the predetermined bonus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a progressive system for paying out a primary progressive prize and a secondary progressive prize. The system includes a progressive controller, a plurality of game devices each configured to execute a game of chance, and a network interconnecting the progressive controller and the game devices. A funding module is executable by the progressive controller to maintain primary and secondary progressive awards and detect occurrence of a win event on any of the game devices. Upon occurrence of the win event, the funding module awards the primary progressive award, and also determines a distribution of the secondary progressive award. The system further includes a prize server and a prize expiration and reissue module executable by the prize server which determines an expiration period for a prize issued by any of the game devices, and then funds the prize to the secondary progressive award upon expiration of the expiration period.

Abstract: A progressive system (local and wide) where a primary and secondary progressive meter is maintained is disclosed. When a progressive win event occurs, there are two payouts: the first is the primary payout and is paid to the gaming machine on which the progressive payout event occurred; the second payout, or secondary progressive, is paid to other players (or game devices) having “active” or “enrolled” status at the time of the primary payout event. The present invention provides a method for automating the “shared” win, including means for a player to determine if they are on an active machine which would allow them to share in a secondary progressive. The progressive prizes may be funded using traditional methods (e.g., percentage of wagers, marketing budget). The progressive prizes may also be funded using expired prizes which have expired or lapsed.

Abstract: A method for simulating bonus awards in a finite award pool system is disclosed. The finite award pool comprises a plurality of primary awards and at least one simulated bonus award, where at least one of the primary awards indicate further entitlement to one of the simulated bonus awards. The simulated bonus awards may not be selected as a primary award per se, but constitute a portion of the actual primary award when combined with the primary award associated therewith. Additionally, the present arrangement allows simulation of more complex bonus award in finite pool systems by providing multiple or nested bonus level selections from either primary prizes or bonus prizes.

Abstract: A system and method for adding a bonus round to any poker-style card game on a Nevada-style gaming machine. The bonus round is characterized by the existence of a match card. The match card is not part of the traditional poker hand (the “in-hand” cards) of the player, and only comes into play during a bonus round. The suit and value of the match card may be generated by the game machine or a remote game controller or backend server. The match card is then displayed in a manner visually associating the match card with one of the player's “in-hand” cards. A bonus is determined by evaluating the associated pair. Alternatively a bonus may be determined first, in which case the game machine determines a match card and associated card from the player's in-hand cards that is the equivalent of the predetermined bonus.

Abstract: A system and method for adding a bonus round to any poker-style card game on a Nevada-style gaming machine. The bonus round is characterized by the existence of a match card. The match card is not part of the traditional poker hand (the “in-hand” cards) of the player, and only comes into play during a bonus round. The suit and value of the match card may be generated by the game machine or a remote game controller or backend server. The match card is then displayed in a manner visually associating the match card with one of the player's “in-hand” cards. A bonus is determined by evaluating the associated pair. Alternatively a bonus may be determined first, in which case the game machine determines a match card and associated card from the player's in-hand cards that is the equivalent of the predetermined bonus.

Abstract: A progressive system (local and wide) where a primary and secondary progressive meter is maintained is disclosed. When a progressive win event occurs, there are two payouts: the first payout (defined by the primary meter) is paid to the player triggering the progressive payout event; the second payout (defined by the secondary meter) is paid to other players (or game devices) having “active” or “enrolled” status at the time of the primary payout event. The present invention provides a method for automating the “shared” win, including means for readily determining “active” players. A countdown meter may be used to enable the player a sufficient amount of time to continue play and be considered “active.” Additionally display meters may be used to indicate the status of the player or to warn the player of an imminent change in status. The progressive prizes may be funded using traditional methods (e.g., percentage of wagers, marketing budget).

Abstract: A system and method for presenting a player with simulated poker play is disclosed, where the result is actually based on a predetermined outcome. In order to create a realistic play scenario, the present invention never corrects or overrides a player's choices during the play of a hand. Rather, a new solution which incorporates a specially indicated, separately drawn card is used. If a player makes choices while playing a hand that precludes the game machine from creating a final hand having a value equivalent to the predetermined amount of a win, a separate card from those in the hand is used to create a bonus award that makes up any difference. In addition, the way in which the separate card is implemented includes the issuance of seemingly random bonus awards, allowing both good and poor poker players to receive such bonuses. This further increases the realism of the play.