Abstract: Casino games and methods having a set of objects displayed in a screen of a casino gaming machine. Each object has a randomly assigned attribute from a corresponding set of attributes. The casino gaming machine receives the player's input for each of a predetermined number of objects in the set. When selected, a symbol corresponding to the hidden attribute is displayed. After each input, the remaining attributes of the remaining objects not selected are randomly reassigned to each unselected object before the player selects the next object.

Abstract: A method for playing a slot machine displays for a wager one matrix of random symbols for player selection of at least one symbol. Providing strategic information to the player for favorable play. Converting the at least one position associated with the at least one symbol selected to be wild and awarding the player in accord with available pay table and/or game rules. Allowing the player to make a wager and begin play of a reel slot machine having positions set in a matrix of columns and rows wherein symbols move during play in the columns and stop in perhaps one of the rows. After the reels stop the player selects one or more symbols in accord with the rules of play and/or pay table. The player applies strategy based on information available on the pay table and/or rules of play to select at least one symbol. The player qualifies for wild symbols by random achievement of triggering.

Abstract: A method of a house apportionment of a bonus value is used to pay during play of a bonus game. Entry of the bonus game is achieved during play of an underlying game of chance. The method of house apportionment includes steps of awarding the player a portion of the bonus value for the bonus game and adding the remainder of the bonus value to at least one escrow account available to reward the player or subsequent players. The awarding step is based on bonus games including the step of knowledge-based playing. The awarding step of the knowledge-based bonus game includes the step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing the appropriate responses to questions. The step of knowledge-based playing includes the step of selecting or guessing the appropriate answers to multiple choice questions. The step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing includes the step of challenging the player with questions having a common theme.

Abstract: A method for a knowledge-based casino game. A first embodiment provides the knowledge-based casino game as a bonus game for an underlying casino game. A second embodiment provides a stand-alone knowledge-based casino game and a third embodiment provides back-and-forth play between a casino game and a knowledge-based casino game.

Abstract: A method of playing a casino game by offering a player a plurality of objects, each of which has a probability of success and associated award. The player chooses an object and receives the associated award when the chosen object is successful. The player continues to chose objects until the casino game ends. Ending may occur randomly after each object is chosen, upon all chosen objects resulting in a success, or upon the player choosing a fixed number of objects.

Abstract: A method of a house apportionment of a bonus value is used to pay during play of a bonus game. Entry of the bonus game is achieved during play of an underlying game of chance. The method of house apportionment includes steps of awarding the player a portion of the bonus value for the bonus game and adding the remainder of the bonus value to at least one escrow account available to reward the player or subsequent players. The awarding step is based on bonus games including the step of knowledge-based playing. The awarding step of the knowledge-based bonus game includes the step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing the appropriate responses to questions. The step of knowledge-based playing includes the step of selecting or guessing the appropriate answers to multiple choice questions. The step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing includes the step of challenging the player with questions having a common theme.

Abstract: A method of a house apportionment of a bonus value is used to pay during play of a bonus game. Entry of the bonus game is achieved during play of an underlying game of chance. The method of house apportionment includes steps of awarding the player a portion of the bonus value for the bonus game and adding the remainder of the bonus value to at least one escrow account available to reward the player or subsequent players. The awarding step is based on bonus games including the step of knowledge-based playing. The awarding step of the knowledge-based bonus game includes the step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing the appropriate responses to questions. The step of knowledge-based playing includes the step of selecting or guessing the appropriate answers to multiple choice questions. The step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing includes the step of challenging the player with questions having a common theme.

Abstract: A method of a house apportionment of a bonus value is used to pay during play of a bonus game. Entry of the bonus game is achieved during play of an underlying game of chance. The method of house apportionment includes steps of awarding the player a portion of the bonus value for the bonus game and adding the remainder of the bonus value to at least one escrow account available to reward the player or subsequent players. The awarding step is based on bonus games including the step of knowledge-based playing. The awarding step of the knowledge-based bonus game includes the step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing the appropriate responses to questions. The step of knowledge-based playing includes the step of selecting or guessing the appropriate answers to multiple choice questions. The step of knowledge-based playing by answering, selecting or guessing includes the step of challenging the player with questions having a common theme.

Abstract: A method for paying a progressive jackpot in a wide area progressive system having a progressive controller linked to groups of gaming terminals. Each gaming terminal using software determines, based upon at least the broadcast current progressive jackpot amount and the received wager, at least one fractional portion of the broadcast current progressive jackpot amount that may be won by the player when a progressive event occurs in play of the casino game of chance at the gaming terminal. The fractional progressive jackpot amount is delivered from the gaming terminal back to the progressive controller where it is deducted before the next current progressive jackpot amount is broadcast.

Abstract: A method for operating a mechanical casino bonus game to provide a constant player expected value for play of a mechanical casino bonus game in the presence of mechanical bias. When play of the bonus game commences, a bonus payoff is randomly assigned from a set of bonus payoffs to each game outcome.

Abstract: During play of a casino game, in response to a wager, a hidden bonus feature unknown to the player occurs to interrupt game play. The occurrence of the hidden bonus feature may be at a random statistical frequency or other event. When the player inputs a correct response to the hidden bonus feature during casino game play, the player receives an additional award. If a correct response is not received or if the hidden bonus feature is ignored, the player does not receive any further award. The hidden bonus feature does not affect the outcome of the play of the casino game. After the feature ends, casino game play resumes to a game outcome in response to the wager.

Abstract: A mechanical wheel casino game of chance using a freely moving internal indicator such as a ball within a housing to randomly move and bounce into one possible outcome segment in a set of possible outcome segments. The expected value is controlled through a combination of geometrical and mathematical considerations. The set of possible outcome segments randomly picked and placed at the bottom of the wheel so that as the wheel stops, the freely moving, bouncing ball lands in one of the possible outcome segments. The segment the ball lands in is sensed and the award associated with the landed in segment is paid out to the player. A periodic testing method determines whether mechanical bias exists in the casino game of chance.

Abstract: A method for a knowledge-based casino game. A first embodiment provides the knowledge-based casino game as a bonus game for an underlying casino game. A second embodiment provides a stand-alone knowledge-based casino game and a third embodiment provides back-and-forth play between a casino game and a knowledge-based casino game.

Abstract: A mechanical wheel casino game of chance using a freely moving internal indicator such as a ball within a housing to randomly move and bounce into one possible outcome segment in a set of possible outcome segments. The expected value is controlled through a combination of geometrical and mathematical considerations. The set of possible outcome segments randomly picked and placed at the bottom of the wheel so that as the wheel stops, the freely moving, bouncing ball lands in one of the possible outcome segments. The segment the ball lands in is sensed and the award associated with the landed in segment is paid out to the player. A periodic testing method determines whether mechanical bias exists in the casino game of chance.

Abstract: A multi-stage method qualifies a player for a bonus game. If two stages are used, the first has the player aligning a combination including at least one trigger symbol. The second stage uses the trigger symbols, reel symbols, other secondary mathematically related elements, or elements associated therewith, to qualify the player for the bonus game. The player interacts during the qualification process by providing input to the second stage.

Abstract: During operation of a casino game, a hint feature is displayed with a displayed decision-making game round under control of a processor. A memory may store a plurality of decision-making game rounds. A hint contains response information for a player to increase the player's odds in winning the game round The displaying of the hint feature may occur at a random statistical frequency, based upon player hesitation, or a prevailing position in the game round. The hint is stored with each game round or is dynamically determined for the displayed game round.

Abstract: A method for operating two different bonus games in a casino game machine. The first bonus game is played when a first predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs on a pay line. The bonus game has a meter and a path to a goal wherein the path has a number of stopping points. The player advances based on player input from stopping point to stopping point along the path to the goal until either the meter reaches a predetermined value that ends the bonus game or until the goal is reached. The second bonus game is played when a second predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs. The operation of the casino game is further affected by providing a graphic image in the video display of the reels to affect the play outcome. A game ticket version is also shown.

Abstract: A bonus game for an underlying base casino machine played by a player wherein the bonus game provides a Pachinko playing field, a ball propelled onto the Pachinko playing field when a bonus condition occurs during play of an underlying casino game. The Pachinko playing field having a row of lanes so that the ball, after traversing the playing field, travels through one of the lanes. A display at said row of lanes on said playing field for displaying at the lanes, targets, digits used to form a decimal number, graphic symbols used to perform a mathematical operation, symbols appearing in the underlying game outcome, so as to provide awards, wild symbols, extended game play, etc.

Abstract: A multi-stage method qualifies a player for a bonus game. If two stages are used, the first has the player aligning a combination including at least one trigger symbol. The second stage uses the trigger symbols, reel symbols, other secondary mathematically related elements, or elements associated therewith, to qualify the player for the bonus game. The player interacts during the qualification process by providing input to the second stage.

Abstract: A method for playing a game has the steps of establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality of value squares. Randomly traversing the paths to afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end square. Allowing a player to select one of the paths. Moving along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice, employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino game and a bonus game for a base game.