Abstract: At least one gaming machine in a network of gaming machines includes displays for a main game and a bonus game. The bonus game is activated when a particular outcome of the main game is achieved. A jackpot that is common to a plurality of the gaming machines in the network may be awarded when certain criteria are achieved in the bonus game. The certain criteria may occur entirely within the bonus game, or may be distributed between the main game and the bonus game. The certain criteria may be, for example, the display of a particular symbol or symbol combination, or a particular outcome of the bonus game.

Abstract: The gaming device displays an array of randomly selected symbols. In one embodiment, only a first jackpot can be awarded to a player if a first bet is made, and both the first jackpot and a second jackpot can be awarded to the player if a higher bet is made. In one embodiment, the first jackpot is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from left to right, and the second jackpot B is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from right to left. The amounts in both jackpots are displayed to the player. Additionally, all non-jackpot awards according to the winning symbol combinations from left to right and right to left are granted to the player, depending on the amount of the bet. Due to certain features of the game, the player can exercise strategy in making the appropriate bet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine comprises a standard gaming machine portion displaying rotating reels, where the reels (physical or simulated) are randomly stopped, and an award is based upon the final symbol combination. Upon a special symbol combination being obtained in the main game, a secondary (or bonus) game is then carried out by the machine. In one embodiment, the bonus game comprises a display that randomly displays a plurality (e.g., five) of possible bonus values. In a second phase of the bonus game, one of the displayed possible bonuses is randomly selected for being paid to the player. Many other implementations of a bonus game that randomly generates possible bonuses and randomly selects one of the bonuses for payment to the player are envisioned.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine carries out a main game, such as a spinning reel type game, either using physical reels or simulated reels on a video screen. A special combination of symbols activates a video bonus game. The bonus game comprises a plurality of N unknown options in the form of icons, where the player may only make M choices, where M is less than N. In another embodiment, M is less than or equal to N. The unknown options may include, for example, different award credits. The options may be presented as hidden values behind doors or using other attractive presentation. The N values behind the closed doors are displayed in an order unrelated to the arrangement of the unknown options so the player sees what she can possibly win. The player then makes her M selections to win the awards behind the doors. There may be additional levels of the bonus game.

Abstract: A plurality of EGMs are connected within a network. Each of the EGMs is remotely configurable so as to enable an operator to select any desired parameter of the game. The configuration of one EGM may be uploaded to the network and programmed into other EGMs connected to the network. An operator may program the initial EGM at the EGM itself or remotely. In another embodiment, one EGM (a master) may download its configuration settings into other EGMs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a separate touch screen located in an area where buttons are typically located. The touch screen virtual buttons may be both configurable by the player and configurable by the gaming machine. A joystick may also be provided on the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the player is given extra credits by the gaming machine if large denomination currency is inserted into the gaming machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a separate touch screen located in an area where buttons are typically located. The touch screen virtual buttons may be both configurable by the player and configurable by the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the touch screen is 3-dimensional in that areas for being touched by the player are raised to give the impression of a physical button. Each raised portion may give tactile feedback to the player when pressed.

Abstract: A gaming method and system are described where a visible jackpot and an invisible jackpot are accumulated for a plurality of gaming machines connected in a network. The visible jackpot is paid when one of the gaming machines in the plurality achieves certain criteria. The visible jackpot is at least partially replenished from the invisible jackpot. The amount in the visible jackpot may be displayed, either on a display common to multiple gaming machines in the network, or on each gaming machine in the network. The visible and invisible jackpots may be accumulated by increasing the amount in each of the visible jackpot and the invisible jackpot by a percentage of each amount bet on the gaming machines in the network. In some embodiments, the invisible jackpot accumulates faster than the visible jackpot.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning of a symbol display device on the door element of a casing of a coin actuated entertainment automat. The symbol display device at the coin actuated entertainment automate wherein the symbol display device is furnished as a television monitor or as a roller shaped circulating body. The symbol display device exhibits conventionally a fixed position on the front side with the disadvantage that a stray light free observation of the symbol display device is not possible for each user of the coin actuated entertainment automat. This disadvantage is to be removed with the construction according to the present invention. The symbol display device is disposed vertically shiftable on the front side of the casing of a coin actuated entertainment automat for obtaining a reflection free view position of the symbol display device.

Abstract: A game performed by a gaming machine is described herein which involves an element of player skill in order for the gaming machine to grant an award to the player. The player is presented with a plurality of images to select in a certain manner, such as in a logical order, within a specified period of time. The proper selection of the images results in an award to the player. Video or mechanical reels, having images around their peripheries, then stop to reflect the player-selected images. The concept of the player making selections and the selections appearing as a final outcome on reels (or other display means) to determine an award may be applied to many other types of games.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display, a memory, processing circuitry, and border surrounding a least a portion of the display. The border includes a plurality of lamps. In some embodiments, the lamps are red, blue, and green light emitting diodes covered by a semi-transparent cover. In some embodiments, the memory includes instructions for activating portions of the lamps in the border in order to increase the visual appeal and excitement of the game, to direct the player to different portions of the display, to direct the player to take some action, or to indicate the status of the machine. Thus, the lamps are dynamically controlled based on events occurring in the game, based on events occurring in the gaming machine platform itself, or based on other factors to not only create interest in playing the machine but also to inform a player or an attendant of certain events occurring in the machine.

Abstract: A control unit in communication with a plurality of gaming machines selects one or more of the active machines to be set to an enhanced play mode. The selection may be random or based on other factors. During the enhanced play mode, the awards attributed to each symbol combination are increased, and the game parameters, other than the award amounts may be changed.

Abstract: The gaming device displays an array of randomly selected symbols. In one embodiment, only a first jackpot can be awarded to a player if a first bet is made, and both the first jackpot and a second jackpot can be awarded to the player if a higher bet is made. In one embodiment, the first jackpot is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from left to right, and the second jackpot B is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from right to left. The amounts in both jackpots are displayed to the player. Additionally, all non-jackpot awards according to the winning symbol combinations from left to right and right to left are granted to the player, depending on the amount of the bet. Due to certain features of the game, the player can exercise strategy in making the appropriate bet.

Abstract: A gaming device displays a game field with a start field and a target field separated by at least one field. The number of fields separating the start field from the target field is determined for each play of the game by, for example, a pseudo random number generator. In some embodiments, the game field has multiple start fields and multiple target fields that may change position in the game field with each play of the game. An indicator randomly selects the number of moves for the player and a virtual player in competition with the actual player. The object of the game may be for the player to reach a target field before the gaming machine virtual player reaches a target field. An award may be based on the player reaching the target field before the virtual player.

Abstract: A plurality of symbols are randomly selected by a computer in the gaming machine and displayed to the player in the first stage of the process. One or more of the symbols are then selected by the gaming machine in the second stage of the process. An award to the player is based on the one or more selected symbols after the second stage. Such a two-stage process creates additional excitement since the player, after the first stage, hopes for the highest value symbol(s) to be selected in the second stage.

Abstract: A reusable credit card, for use in a gaming machine, has a machine-readable code for generating credits in the gaming machine and a player-readable current value of the card printed on the card by the gaming machine. After a player finishes playing the gaming machine, the gaming machine prints the current value of the card, such as credits or a monetary value, on the card, then ejects the card so the player can use the card in the same or another gaming machine at a later time.

Abstract: The gaming system of the present invention uses a portable gaming device and a central unit. The central unit comprises a central control unit, a storage device, and a wireless communication device. The portable gaming device comprises a video display, a control element, a power supply, a second communication device, and a control unit. A player inserts credit into the central unit or into the portable gaming device and is allowed to select a game program. A player may then play the selected game on the portable gaming device. The portable gaming device may play any of a variety of games offered by the central unit.

Abstract: The gaming device comprises a main game, which results in random outcomes. At least one of the outcomes enables a secondary game. Indicia are selected and displayed in the secondary game. A player positions the indicia of the secondary game by operating controls. A pay out to the player is made based on the indicia and their positions selected by the player.

Abstract: Abstract of the disclosure method for the determination of a winning value upon reaching of a game result at a coin operated entertainment automat with a symbol game arrangement. Coin operated entertainment automat comprise a symbol game arrangement where the circulating bodies displays in a rest position of winning or non-winning symbol combination. The winning value associated with the displayed symbol combination can in following under danger of loss in a risk game be staked against a higher winning value. This new feature is to assure that the player always maintains a maximum game tension independent of the amount of the stake. This is accomplished in that at jackpot is continuously filled from the game stake and is present to be released at an unknown point in time. An achieved winning value can be staked in the risk game against the jackpot.

Abstract: The gaming device of the present invention has a main game and a secondary game. Upon winning an award in the main game, the user of the gaming device can decide if he wants to risk any portion of his award and either win or lose that amount in a secondary game. Because the player can decide whether he wants to wager the whole award or just a part of the award, he is actively included in the game and the decision making process, which increases the tension and the fun of the game. In one embodiment, displays are included that display, for the secondary game, the maximum award achievable. Therefore, the player knows how many secondary games must be played (and won) to reach the maximum award. The main game may be a video or actual reel type game (or any other type of game), and the secondary game may be any random selection type of game or a game partly based on a player's decision or skill.