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).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing prizes in a gaming environment which does not require the operator of the gaming environment to maintain a large inventory of such prizes is disclosed. In general, the purchases or sale of prizes are not carried out until the prize award process to a player is carried out.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the intensity of an electroluminescent display is disclosed. The controller controls a number of skipped cycles in a cycle set of an applied waveform to the electroluminescent display to vary the average duty cycle, and thereby adjust the intensity of the electroluminescent display. The controller is further configured to adjust the intensity of individual channels within the electroluminescent display to provide compensation for display aging, color variation, as well as for varying intensity for various operating modes.

Abstract: A system and method for using anonymous player identification in tracking and promoting game use in a casino is disclosed. The ability to track anonymous players, that is, players who do not have a traditional player ID as used in casinos, allows operators to do two new things. The first is to track game and casino services use by players not in the traditional player ID tracking system, yielding valuable marketing data not otherwise available. The second is to reward anonymous players, thereby increasing the likelihood they will come back the casino in the future.

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 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.