Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement an augmented game system. A player can play an online game and accumulate loyalty points without have to pay cash. The player can enter a physical casino and play an electronic gaming machine which can retrieve the player's information from the online game including the number of loyalty points the player has and any other incentives or game add-ons the player would be entitled to. The player would then play a physical game on the electronic game normally (by depositing cash and playing) but the game play would be augmented by virtue of the player having the loyalty points or other incentives or add-ons. For example, the game can be augmented by giving the player a better paytable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement an online casual casino games which provide a player an opportunity to earn loyalty points which are independent of outcomes of the casino games themselves. Loyalty points can be earned by advancing levels or wagering a certain amount in chips (typically with a non-cash value). Once enough loyalty points are earned, they can be redeemed for tangible goods and services.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a social networking game that enables a game server to prioritize application to user messages. A return on investment (ROI) can be computed for each potential application to user message and the application to user messages can be delivered in an order based on the computed ROI for each message. The ROI for each message can be computed based on factors such as the value of a message's recipient and/or the importance of the message. The value of a message's recipient can be based on factors such as the amount of money that recipient has spent on the game, how many friends the recipient has, how many invitations the recipient has sent to other potential players, and any other factors that are probative as to the value of the recipient to the commercial success of the game.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement an augmented game system. A player can play an online game and accumulate loyalty points without have to pay cash. The player can enter a physical casino and play an electronic gaming machine which can retrieve the player's information from the online game including the number of loyalty points the player has and any other incentives or game add-ons the player would be entitled to. The player would then play a physical game on the electronic game normally (by depositing cash and playing) but the game play would be augmented by virtue of the player having the loyalty points or other incentives or add-ons. For example, the game can be augmented by giving the player a better paytable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a guaranteed loyalty point system. A player is provided a fixed amount of guaranteed loyalty points which are converted to loyalty points as the play plays wagering games such as slot games. When the amount of guaranteed loyalty points is depleted, then the player continues to player the slot game but no further loyalty points are awarded to the player until the player once again possesses some more guaranteed loyalty points. In this way, the amount of loyalty points a player ultimately receives is not dependent on luck. The loyalty points can be redeemed for tangible goods and/or services (e.g., show tickets, meal at a restaurant, etc.).

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a social networking game that provides players additional incentives and advantages based on the value of that player to a site hosting the games. For example, a player who refers more friends to play on the site will receive better chances of winning valuable prizes in the games. The value of a player's referred friends can also be taken into consideration when determining that player's value.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement an augmented game system. A player can play an online game and accumulate loyalty points without have to pay cash. The player can enter a physical casino and play an electronic gaming machine which can retrieve the player's information from the online game including the number of loyalty points the player has and any other incentives or game add-ons the player would be entitled to. The player would then play a physical game on the electronic game normally (by depositing cash and playing) but the game play would be augmented by virtue of the player having the loyalty points or other incentives or add-ons. For example, the game can be augmented by giving the player a better paytable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement an augmented game system. A player can play an online game and accumulate loyalty points without have to pay cash. The player can enter a physical casino and play an electronic gaming machine which can retrieve the player's information from the online game including the number of loyalty points the player has and any other incentives or game add-ons the player would be entitled to. The player would then play a physical game on the electronic game normally (by depositing cash and playing) but the game play would be augmented by virtue of the player having the loyalty points or other incentives or add-ons. For example, the game can be augmented by giving the player a better paytable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a casual wagering game which is not for real money that can adjust its results based on past events. Based on detected patterns of past events, the mathematical model of a wagering game such as a slot game can change. For example, if a player has had a continuous streak of bad luck, the mathematical model of the game the player is playing can change so that the player would generally receive more favorable results.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement an augmented game system. A player can play an online game and accumulate loyalty points without have to pay cash. The player can enter a physical casino and play an electronic gaming machine which can retrieve the player's information from the online game including the number of loyalty points the player has and any other incentives or game add-ons the player would be entitled to. The player would then play a physical game on the electronic game normally (by depositing cash and playing) but the game play would be augmented by virtue of the player having the loyalty points or other incentives or add-ons. For example, the game can be augmented by giving the player a better paytable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a networked entertainment system. A game such as blackjack can be offered to multiple (e.g. 10 or more) simultaneous players. The game has decision points in which each player makes a strategic decision. For those situations where players make the mathematically incorrect decision, the significance of the error can be computed as a decrease in expected value of the award that the player would have won. This error can then be returned back to the player immediately or accumulated and returned at a later time.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a social networking game that allows a player to interact in a virtual world. The virtual world displays characters representing the player's friends on the social networking site. The player's friends are automatically imported into the game along with some of their real world characteristics.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a social networking game that enables a game server to prioritize application to user messages. A return on investment (ROI) can be computed for each potential application to user message and the application to user messages can be delivered in an order based on the computed ROI for each message. The ROI for each message can be computed based on factors such as the value of a message's recipient and/or the importance of the message. The value of a message's recipient can be based on factors such as the amount of money that recipient has spent on the game, how many friends the recipient has, how many invitations the recipient has sent to other potential players, and any other factors that are probative as to the value of the recipient to the commercial success of the game.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and storage medium for a real-money online multi-player trivia system which allows users to compete, via a computer network, in one or more simultaneous trivia style games with a plurality of questions while wagering real and/or play money. The trivia style games can be either a single trivia game between multiple players or a tournament style game with a plurality of single games linked together. A trivia style game may allow betting before a question is delivered, after a question is delivered, or after a question is answered. Further, the amount of a player's wager may be withheld from the other players and/or whether the player answered a question correctly or incorrectly.