Abstract: The present invention includes a system, apparatus and method for providing a bonus game which may be shared competitively, collaboratively or both among a plurality of players. Each player participating in the bonus game generates entries thereto in association with play of a base, or primary, game played on an individual gaming device. Players may also reintroduce entries for the bonus game that were generated on a gaming device at an earlier time to a different gaming device. Each gaming device is in communication with a controller that operates the shared bonus game and may communicate with or integrate a player tracking system. During the shared bonus game, the controller is configured to randomly select a bonus award amount that may be consistent with the par sheets, or pay tables, associated with the gaming devices, or separate therefrom.

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 new and improved gaming method and apparatus are revealed. The method includes a bonus game associated with a base game that allows players to use skill and memory to determine the outcome of the bonus game. Players are prompted at the beginning of the bonus game to select at least a first and then a second game space from an array of game spaces, revealing previously hidden indicia. The player continues the selections for a predetermined period of time or until some event occurs, terminating the selections. Bonus payouts are awarded in the event the revealed indicia match. Alternative embodiments include allowing players to qualify for a “sneak peek”, wherein all or some hidden indicia on the game space array are revealed for a short period of time, and random shuffling of the indicia to different game spaces. The disclosed apparatus includes a video display and positional selector for use in selecting game spaces for bonus game play.

Abstract: A bonus event configured for interaction between a player and a gaming machine initiated through a simulated telecommunications link including a telephone handset or similar device such as a speakerphone. The bonus event may be configured as an “incoming” call triggered by some outcome of a primary game on the gaming machine or as an “outgoing” call by a player to the gaming machine. In either instance, the bonus event includes one or more of positive player interactions with the gaming machine, as through a keypad, prior to generation of a bonus award.

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: The present invention includes a system, apparatus and method for providing a bonus game which may be shared competitively, collaboratively or both among a plurality of players. Each player participating in the bonus game generates entries thereto in association with play of a base, or primary, game played on an individual gaming device. Players may also reintroduce entries for the bonus game that were generated on a gaming device at an earlier time to a different gaming device. Each gaming device is in communication with a controller that operates the shared bonus game and may communicate with or integrate a player tracking system. During the shared bonus game, the controller is configured to randomly select a bonus award amount that may be consistent with the par sheets, or pay tables, associated with the gaming devices, or separate therefrom.

Abstract: A bonus event configured for interaction between a player and a gaming machine initiated through a simulated telecommunications link including a telephone handset or similar device such as a speakerphone. The bonus event may be configured as an “incoming” call triggered by some outcome of a primary game on the gaming machine or as an “outgoing” call by a player to the gaming machine. In either instance, the bonus event includes one or more of positive player interactions with the gaming machine, as through a keypad, prior to generation of a bonus award.