Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for determining a set of game symbols for use in a game based on a state of the game is provided. In some embodiments, the method also includes determining an outcome based on the determined set of game symbols.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing and authenticating usage of features of gaming devices is presented. The methods include tracking and/or accumulating usage data relating to gaming device features, determining an authentication code based on the usage data, outputting the authentication code to an operator for transmission to an interested party, and verifying the authentication code. The present invention allows regulatory agencies and manufacturers of gaming devices to reliably verify the usage of individual features of gaming devices without having to rely upon a casino to report the usage data.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for managing features for use on gaming devices is presented, wherein the method comprises determining a measure of performance of a feature, and determining a payment due to a provider of the feature based on the measure of performance of the feature. In one or more embodiments, the measure of performance may be used to determine whether to keep the feature enabled on one or more gaming devices.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for managing games for use on gaming devices is presented, wherein the method comprises determining a measure of performance of a game, and determining a payment due to a provider of the game based on the measure of performance of the game. In one or more embodiments, the measure of performance may be used to determine whether to keep the game enabled on one or more gaming devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of playing a game provides a player with at least one option for playing at least one round of the game in accordance with at least one advantage and/or disadvantage. For example, a player may agree to play a current round of play and/or at least one future round of play in accordance with a revised rule.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to a player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and an amount of credit to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.

Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for: transmitting an offer for a credit card, the offer for the credit card comprising an offer for a first reward in exchange for each consumer of a group of consumers accepting a respective credit card, the group comprising a number of consumers that is greater than a predetermined number of consumers, the first reward comprising a first monetary amount, and the first reward to be donated to a beneficiary identified by the group; an offer for a second reward in exchange for the group transferring at least a predetermined aggregate amount of funds to the respective credit cards; and an offer for a third reward in exchange for: each consumer of the group of consumers making a respective minimum payment within a first predetermined period of time, and each consumer charging at least a predetermined minimum charge amount within a second predetermined period of time.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for managing reward offers. A first performance target that is associated with a financial account is determined. Transaction data that is associated with the financial account is received, and a second performance target for the financial account is determined based on the transaction data.

Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.

Abstract: A customer may be permitted to use a gaming device such as a slot machine to manage various transactions related to a hotel, such as checking in and/or checking out of the customer's room at the hotel. A customer may receive a benefit in exchange for using a gaming device for a transaction.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for use with a reciprocating or rotating shaft includes a shaft seal, a lubricant-storing ring, and a retainer. The retainer and ring can be formed as a subassembly and then combined with a shaft seal. The assembly provides a lubricated shaft and seal that improves the effective life of the shaft seal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for providing a customized index for a subscriber to a periodical, the method comprising: determining first data corresponding to content of at least one issue of a periodical; determining customized index data, in which the customized index data is based on the first data and at least one preference associated with a subscriber to the periodical; and outputting a customized index for the subscriber, the customized index including the customized index data, in which the customized index is separate from the content of the at least one issue.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for receiving a wager for a secondary game at a gaming device that offers a primary game, in which the wager indicates at least one parameter corresponding to a potential outcome of the secondary game; determining an outcome of the secondary game; and providing a payout for the secondary game.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for awarding a number of reward points to a player of a table game, the method comprising the steps of: determining a wager amount corresponding to at least one play of at least one table game by a player; determining data associated with the at least one play, in which the data does not indicate the wager amount; determining whether the player is eligible for reward points based on the data; determining a number of reward points; and awarding the number of reward points to the player if the player is eligible for reward points.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides for receiving a call from a caller, the call being associated with a first merchant; placing the call in a queue; determining a second merchant; and establishing a connection, the connection enabling communication between the caller and the second merchant while the call is in the queue.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for determining a first gaming session; determining a rank of the first gaming session; determining at least one gaming session, each at least one gaming session of the first set having a respective rank that is not higher than the rank of the first gaming session, determining data corresponding to the at least one gaming session; determining at least one bonus based on the data; and applying the at least one bonus to the first gaming session.