Abstract: A system and method for determined, issuing, and using promotion based awards and games based on those awards that encompass granularity and diversity of individually enforceable options, such as individual games at specified locations, heretofore not achievable in a gaining environment.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.

Abstract: A player of an enhanced game receives a bonus for playing the enhanced game and a chance for an additional extra award. The additional extra award may be based on one or more factors: the actual game title of the game being played by the player, the rate of gameplay by the player, the rate of gain/loss for an entity different from the player, a rate of gain/loss for the player, or the like. Gameplay and player data may be gathered and a dynamic bonusing system may reconfigure a gaming machine being played by the player based at least on the gathered data.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method are disclosed that provide enhanced visual effects for a player through the use of one or more electroluminescent displays overlaying a display area associated with a set of electro-mechanical slot reels (or reel tape). Various embodiments are shown, such as overlaid displays that include cutouts about one or more reels and provide video or static images that are interactive with the reels during either the base game or feature game.

Abstract: A gaming system having a plurality of primary game devices sharing a secondary bonus station is disclosed. The secondary game station comprises a secondary game which is configured to provide play pursuant to a triggering event originating from any one of the primary game devices in the gaming environment. The secondary game station is equipped with controls suitable for playing the secondary game. During play of the secondary game station, the triggering primary game device may also be “locked” so that the player may resume playing the primary game subsequent to playing the secondary game.

Abstract: A method for simulating bonus awards in a finite award pool system is disclosed. The finite award pool comprises a plurality of primary awards and at least one simulated bonus award, where at least one of the primary awards indicate further entitlement to one of the simulated bonus awards. The simulated bonus awards may not be selected as a primary award per se, but constitute a portion of the actual primary award when combined with the primary award associated therewith. Additionally, the present arrangement allows simulation of more complex bonus award in finite pool systems by providing multiple or nested bonus level selections from either primary prizes or bonus prizes.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for use in a casino-type gaming machine, allowing enhanced identification of winning paylines by a player. Specifically, the present invention provides for the use of at least one electroluminescent display in a location at, dispersed within, or very near the slot reel (or reel tape) display area. Using these electroluminescent displays, a new and far superior display for showing winning pay lines with visual accents both near and running across the front of physical reels or reel tapes reels is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing more than one simultaneous and different bingo game, using single bingo ball draws from a central location. The present invention further provides for players to be highly distributed, for example throughout the US, while still using the single centralized ball draw and still supporting different bingo games in parallel.

Abstract: A new and useful ball range system for wagering is disclosed. The system incorporates targets having RFID readers therein, coupled with at least one server communicating with each target, and further having the potential to operate over more than one physical site. The wagering supported is characterized by player-funded winnings, of which pari-mutuel betting on ball-based games is one example. The system enables operators to offer many wagering games based on a games outcome in an efficient and exciting manner to a player using player-funded pools.

Abstract: A new and useful golf range target and system is disclosed. The new target incorporates an area having a top surface that will guide a golf ball which hits the surface to a golf ball receiver. The target receiver includes an RFID reader and a GPS receiver, which, upon the passing of a golf ball through the receiver, reads the golf ball ID using an RFID tag in the golf ball, then sends that data along with GPS data back to a server. The target is designed to be mobile, or moveable, by range personnel. The server then stores the data, and makes calculations such as the distance the golf ball traveled, the point value of the target hit (if any), and related fun information. This enables players to get real-time feedback using the targets, and allows ranges to encourage range play by keeping scores, awarding prizes, etc., based on target hits and other criteria.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a centralized ticket manufacturing controller located at a centralized location and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the centralized ticket manufacturing controller, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with a printer and ticket media, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from vending device in communication with the centralized ticket manufacturing controller. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.

Abstract: A countdown game which is played in conjunction with a primary game on a gaming device or other game player terminal is disclosed herein. The countdown game enhances bonus game play by providing a “countdown indicator” which advances and retreats through various stages or levels of play. The player further accumulates a prize amount which may be won, lost or increased during play.

Abstract: A progressive system (local and wide) where a primary and secondary progressive meter is maintained is disclosed. When a progressive win event occurs, there are two payouts: the first payout (defined by the primary meter) is paid to the player triggering the progressive payout event; the second payout (defined by the secondary meter) is paid to other players (or game devices) having “active” or “enrolled” status at the time of the primary payout event. The present invention provides a method for automating the “shared” win, including means for readily determining “active” players. A countdown meter may be used to enable the player a sufficient amount of time to continue play and be considered “active.” Additionally display meters may be used to indicate the status of the player or to warn the player of an imminent change in status. The progressive prizes may be funded using traditional methods (e.g., percentage of wagers, marketing budget).

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining player's enhanced game play state in a gaming environment is disclosed. In particular, the player may restore enhanced game play states from previously played games either from the same game device or from another game device, the enhanced game play states typically being enhancements to casino games and including reel nudges, alternate pay table use, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for providing more than one simultaneous and different bingo game, using single bingo ball draws from a central location. The present invention further provides for players to be highly distributed, for example throughout the US, while still using the single centralized ball draw and still supporting different bingo games in parallel.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining player's game state (award credits, partial award states, and non-award or non-credit states) in a gaming environment is disclosed. In particular, the player may restore the game state from previously played games either from the same game device or from another game device. The invention also provides for award redemption of the award credits (or game pieces) earned by a player during game play.

Abstract: A system and method for using two authenticators to identify a player in a gaming environment is disclosed, where the second authenticator is based on biometric data. The two authenticators allow a two-level authorization process providing very high assurance that a player at a gaming machine is who they claim to be, and where the second authenticator, being based on biometric data, enables a player to quickly and easily authenticate documents and/or authenticate age while continuing to play at game machines.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a centralized ticket manufacturing controller located at a centralized location and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the centralized ticket manufacturing controller, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with a printer and ticket media secured from potential customers, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from vending device in communication with the centralized ticket manufacturing controller. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets to the customer.

Abstract: A new player footrest is disclosed, usable as part of a gaming machine. The new footrest is mounted higher on the gaming cabinetry than was previously known in the art, providing a new and invigorating way to make significant changes to foot position, and therefore body position, during long game play periods. Further, in one embodiment the footrests are adjustable, providing even more player comfort and positional diversity.

Abstract: A system and method for using two authenticators to identify a player in a gaming environment is disclosed, where the second authenticator is based on biometric data. The two authenticators allow a two-level authorization process, where the second authenticator, being based on biometric data, allow a player to quickly and easily authenticate documents while remaining at game machines, authenticate electronically based transfers into and out of accounts at game machines, and further allow casinos and other establishments having age requirements and operating in an open environment to confirm that an underage person is not enabling the game play button (making use of the game machine thereby).