Abstract: Disclosed are a game device and method for providing a predetermined prize to a player of an apparent skill game. The player perception is that his skill in playing the device affects the outcome even though the win amount is predetermined. Even if the player does not play with optimum skill, the player will still win the predetermined amount. The perceived skill game may be played as part of a game including wagering or as part of an amusement-only game.

Abstract: Disclosed are a game device and method for providing a predetermined prize to a player of an apparent skill game. The player perception is that his skill in playing the device affects the outcome even though the win amount is predetermined. Even if the player does not play with optimum skill, the player will still win the predetermined amount. The perceived skill game may be played as part of a game including wagering or as part of an amusement-only 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 is shown for enhancing game play on a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a processor, a memory, and program logic stored in the memory that may be executable to play a base game in exchange for a wager. The method includes receiving a Newprom award that is not issued by the gaming machine. The method may include altering, using the processor, the base game to an enhanced base game state in response to the Newprom award. The Newprom award may be configured to add one or more base game play enhancements available to a player only by way of the Newprom award to the base game. This may alter the base game to the enhanced base game state so that the base game is played with the one or more game play enhancements.

Abstract: A method is shown for enhancing game play on a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a processor, a memory, and program logic stored in the memory that may be executable to play a base game in exchange for a wager. The method includes receiving a Newprom award that is not issued by the gaming machine. The method may include altering, using the processor, the base game to an enhanced base game state in response to the Newprom award. The Newprom award may be configured to add one or more base game play enhancements available to a player only by way of the Newprom award to the base game. This may alter the base game to the enhanced base game state so that the base game is played with the one or more game play enhancements.

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 gaming environment.

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 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 gaming environment.

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 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 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: The present invention is a method and apparatus enabling a low cost hardware upgrade path and low cost processor board retrofit for gaming machines. The enabling features include a two-board set made up of an industry standard form factor processor board (a single board system, able to support an operating system) coupled to an I/O adapter board, and further having a specially architected game kernel based on a UNIX-compatible operating system. The game kernel provides a consistent API to game applications, enabling quick and easy use of new hardware features while providing backward compatibility for existing game applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus enabling a low cost hardware upgrade path and low cost processor board retrofit for gaming machines. The enabling features include a two-board set made up of an industry standard form factor processor board (a single board system, able to support an operating system) coupled to an I/O adapter board, and further having a specially architected game kernel based on a UNIX-compatible operating system. The game kernel provides a consistent API to game applications, enabling quick and easy use of new hardware features while providing backward compatibility for existing game applications.

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 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.