Abstract: The music selection system allows a game terminal to use the logic processing and information of a remote computer server to provide fast relevant search results based on user keyed information. The search is carried out in parallel using different databases to provide possible results which are then combined and reduced by the server. This arrangement provides fast accurate results and advantageously uses search techniques well known to users. This familiarity in combination with the specialized databases provides relevant music search results with relatively few keystroke entries.

Abstract: A system for the play of digital content in a public establishment includes a digital content play system, a web accessible digital content server, a media center connected to the digital content play system and in communication with the digital content server to receive digital content, and independent web enabled or text messaging enabled devices of users. These independent web enabled or text messaging enabled devices allow a user to access the digital content server and select digital content for play on the in-house digital content play system.

Abstract: A media control system allows the play of media files from customers or users in a public establishment. A digital content review arrangement communicates with a control gate that forwards to the digital content review arrangement requested media files or summary information of the media files sufficient to identify the requested media files with known media files contained in a database of the digital content review arrangement or available thereto. The control gate includes an input for communicating with personal portable digital content devices of customer and/or users and receives therefrom requested media files to be played on a media play system of said public establishment. The control gate forwards the requested media files received from said personal portable digital content devices to said digital content review arrangement for identification.

Abstract: A simplified video game includes a series of timed events where each event is capable of a positive or negative result based on the timing of player input signal. A positive result requires a time period greater than a negative result. The following event automatically is initiated after completion of the preceding event until a certain cumulative time period is reached.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game that requires the multiple input of a single input device to provide a series of timed input signals relative to a start signal. The relative time of the input signal determines the result of a heat and the combined results of a series of heats provide game score. The game has a fast learning curve in combination with a player skill level that is not necessarily controlling. The game is based on timed player input that are sensitive about the optimal values to include a random or luck factor about the optimal values. In a preferred embodiment the game is a race theme game and requires the player to input shift signals. In a preferred embodiment of the game different levels are provided and points are awarded based on performance relative to a standard and relative to a variable standard determined by the player's performance in an earlier level.

Abstract: A combined game terminal and pay to play audio entertainment system including a promotional draw associated with at least one game provided at said game terminal and purchases completed at the game terminal for audio selections played by the audio entertainment system. The game terminal cooperates with a remote promotional server that administers a promotional draw based on particular game selections and/or qualifying audio selections made at the game terminal by a registered customer. The game terminal and the game promotional server extend the “qualifying purchase” to include purchases for audio selections. In this way, cross promotion of game and audio selections is provided at the game terminal and qualifying entries are preferably combined in a single draw.

Abstract: The networked game system uses a local area network to allow multi-player competition between terminals in real time. The game software of each terminal allows that terminal to act as the communication server if that terminal initiates an invitation to play in a networked mode. In a preferred aspect the game software allows an initiating player to send an open invitation or a restricted invitation that requires a PIN to respond. In a different aspect each terminal includes a player activated Do Not Disturb feature if the player does not want to receive invitations.

Abstract: A method of playing a poker game using a video game terminal includes one player using the video game terminal and three or more terminal generated and controlled players to play against. Each player has a starting point value used for play and scoring in the poker game. The poker game includes a series of elimination rounds where each elimination round comprises two or more hands and eliminating the player with the lowest score at the end of an elimination round. Each hand in an elimination round includes two down cards provided to each player and five common cards provided face up for use by all players in combination with their respective two down cards for forming of the best five card poker hand and thereby determining a winner of a “win” pool associated with the hand. Each hand in an elimination round includes one or more player wagering steps where players wager points from their starting points with said wagered points accumulating in the “win” pool or a player withdrawing from the hand.

Abstract: A simplified video game includes a series of timed events where each event is capable of a positive or negative result based on the timing of player input signal. A positive result requires a time period greater than a negative result. The following event automatically is initiated after completion of the preceding event until a certain cumulative time period is reached.

Abstract: A video game terminal includes a series of options and programming capabilities for modifying the operation of the terminal with respect to combination games. Each combination game includes at least first and second game segments, and different options for playing of the combination games. One option allows the player a partial Credit Back after completion of the first game, second segment. In this way, the player can decide to save the Credit Back, rather than continue if the results after the first segment are poor. Another option is directed to the order of play of the different game segments being selected by the player. A further option is the ability for the operator to define a new combination game by selecting different combinations of the game segments.