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

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

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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and apparatus allow for a plurality of options to be displayed to a player for playing at least one round of a game in accordance with at least one advantage and/or disadvantage. The player may accept an option. For example, a player may accept an option to play at least one future round of play in accordance with a rule that is different from a rule used in a current round of play.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing lottery outcomes and other types of lottery information to a player (e.g., in accordance with one or more preferences of a player). In some embodiments, lottery information may be provided over a network, via postal mail, via CD-ROM, and/or via a set-top device.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method provides for determining a first payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate a wagering game and providing the first payout only upon the satisfaction of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may comprise, for example, (i) indicia indicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is a component of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated with the current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, wherein the audio/video content is output via a second display area of the gaming device.

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

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes outputting, from a vending machine, an inactive voucher which includes a voucher identifier. A request to activate the voucher and a payment are received. An amount of payment is determined based on the voucher identifier, and at least the amount of payment is received. The voucher is activated, and then a request to redeem the voucher is received. A gift that corresponds to the voucher is determined, and the gift is provided via the vending machine.

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: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.

Abstract: A wafer retention arrangement is disclosed for use with wafer stripping machines and the like which include a housing and a turret rotatably coupled to the housing for rotation about a selected axis, the turret being formed with a plurality of pockets that are adapted to retain a wafer. The wafer retention arrangement for each pocket includes a plurality of clips disposed about the periphery of the pocket to support a retained wafer. A latching mechanism cooperates with the support means to hold the wafer within the pocket. The latching mechanism is pivotally mounted to the turret for rotation about an axis that is substantially parallel to the surface of a wafer held within its associated pocket. The pivot point about which the latch mechanism rotates is substantially adjacent the edge of the wafer but spaced apart from the wafer plane.