Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture are associated with operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session or contract costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session or contract spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. In some embodiments, an expected cost of the flat rate play session or contract may be determined. In some embodiments, a flat rate play session or contract and/or one or more parameters thereof may be determined based upon a price (or other parameter) that a player is willing to pay for flat rate play at a gaming device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request to purchase a product from a vending machine. At least one question to be output is determined, and the determined question is output. An interface is provided which that permits at least one answer to the at least one question to be entered by a customer. At least one answer to the at least one question is received via the interface. Based on the answer, a level of access to one or more products available for sale by the vending machine is determined. A product is provided if the level of access permits providing of a product.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment, a gaming system is operable to determine a first gaming device being operated by a player and select a second gaming device to be controlled, via the first gaming device, by the player. In some embodiments, the gaming system is further operable to configure the second gaming device to be controlled via an interface of the first gaming device.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture are associated with operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session or contract costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session or contract spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. In some embodiments, an expected cost of the flat rate play session or contract may be determined. In some embodiments, a flat rate play session or contract and/or one or more parameters thereof may be determined based upon a price (or other parameter) that a player is wiling to pay for flat rate play at a gaming device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.

Abstract: A hardware or software module is added to a gaming device. The module renders the gaming device capable of permitting play of the gaming device when a credit balance of the gaming device is insufficient, in which prior to such rendering, the gaming device was not capable of permitting play of the gaming device when the credit balance is insufficient.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a video roulette flat rate play session is facilitated. The flat rate play session may be associated with at least one of a wagering restriction applied to one or more bets during the flat rate play session and a net maximum payout per spin applicable to one or more bets during the flat rate play session. In one embodiment, a player is provided with a plurality of wagering units at the beginning of the session. A monetary value of the plurality of wagering units may be greater than a monetary value of a flat rate price paid for the flat rate play session.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for determining, based on a first random number, an outcome for a first game play conducted at a gaming device, thereby determining a first outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the first outcome, thereby determining a first payout. The first payout is based on a probability of obtaining the first outcome and the first wager. The method further provides for determining, based on a second random number, an outcome for a second game play conducted at the gaming device, thereby determining a second outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the second outcome, thereby determining a second payout. The second payout is based on the first payout. In one embodiment both the first and second game plays are initiated in response to receiving, from the player, an initiation signal and a wager.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated for a wagering game. The plurality of outcomes are stored on a tangible medium (e.g., a DVD) or otherwise stored. The plurality of outcomes are sold to a player, for viewing by the player at a location remote from a casino.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, information about a product is communicated to at least one customer of a vending machine. It is determined whether to dispense a product from the vending machine, and the product is dispensed from the vending machine.

Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated for a wagering game. The plurality of outcomes are stored on a tangible medium (e.g., a DVD) or otherwise stored. The plurality of outcomes are sold to a player, for viewing by the player at a location remote from a casino.

Abstract: A gaming device presents multiple hands of the game played on the gaming device as part of a single round of game play. The player wagers on whether the composite set of the multiple hands has certain attributes. If the attributes are present in the composite set, the player receives a winning outcome and receives a benefit. In a particularly contemplated implementation, the game is blackjack, and the attributes are based on the number and type of cards as well as the manner in which individual hands beat the dealer and by how many points.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.

Abstract: A blackjack game is modified to include an auxiliary wager that is based on whether any of the hands at the blackjack table will beat the dealer's hand. A player may thus place an auxiliary wager on whether his hand or a second player's hand will beat the dealer. Alternate expressions of the concept allow variations in which player's hand or how many hands may be included in the comparison.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, information about a product is communicated to at least one customer of a vending machine. It is determined whether to dispense a product from the vending machine, and the product is dispensed from the vending machine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for improving the establishment and management of vending machine subscriptions, including systems and methods for constructing, communicating, and registering subscriptions, as well as various methods for processing the redemption of vending machine subscription items. Several additional embodiments are disclosed, including various alternate methods of promoting longitudinal machine-customer relationships.