Abstract: A gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Game play cycles may be continuously performed in the automated play mode without player input. One or more parameters for controlling the automated play mode may be determined based on player input and/or data or a program stored in the gaming device and/or data or a program stored in a controller in communication with the gaming device. Termination of the automated play mode may result from player input and/or may be determined on the basis of a parameter that may be determined on the basis of player input or may be determined automatically by the gaming device or by a controller in communication with the gaming device.

Abstract: A keno game is tied to video content such that events in the video content determine the outcome of the keno game. The outcome determinative events are selected from a set of potential outcome determinative events and marked with cues when the video content is displayed to the keno players and other video content watchers. The cues may be audible or visual and accentuate the fact that an outcome determinative event has occurred. If the player's wager has enough of the outcome determinative events selected relative to the actual outcome determinative events, the player may receive a benefit.

Abstract: A keno game is tied to video content such that events in the video content determine the outcome of the keno game. The outcome determinative events are selected from a set of potential outcome determinative events and marked with cues when the video content is displayed to the keno players and other video content watchers. The cues may be audible or visual and accentuate the fact that an outcome determinative event has occurred. If the player's wager has enough of the outcome determinative events selected relative to the actual outcome determinative events, the player may receive a benefit.

Abstract: A keno game is tied to video content such that events in the video content determine the outcome of the keno game. The outcome determinative events are selected from a set of potential outcome determinative events and marked with cues when the video content is displayed to the keno players and other video content watchers. The cues may be audible or visual and accentuate the fact that an outcome determinative event has occurred. If the player's wager has enough of the outcome determinative events selected relative to the actual outcome determinative events, the player may receive a benefit.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for managing features for use on gaming devices is presented, wherein the method comprises determining a measure of performance of a feature, and determining a payment due to a provider of the feature based on the measure of performance of the feature. In one or more embodiments, the measure of performance may be used to determine whether to keep the feature enabled on one or more gaming devices.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for offering a free play mode of electronic game device operation to players. In an embodiment, the method includes determining whether to offer the player a choice to switch the electronic gaming device from a regular mode of operation to a free play mode of operation, wherein the free play mode of operation maintains a credit balance for the player. The method also includes presenting the offer to the player based on the determination, and receiving an election from the player to switch the electronic game device from the regular mode of operation to the free play mode of operation. In an advantageous embodiment, the method may also include providing an indication that the electronic game device is operating in the free play mode of operation.

Abstract: A system to determine a product to be offered to a casino player based on player data and on an approximate maximum price for which the product may be sold through a retail channel. Advantageously, a potential increase in a casino's profit due to a product offer can be determined using the player data, and an approximate maximum profit attainable through sale of the product through a retail channel can be determined based on the determined price. As a result, a product to offer can be determined in a manner which maximizes casino profit.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining a recipient of an offer; and for determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further provide for transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.

Abstract: A gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Game play cycles may be continuously performed in the automated play mode without player input. One or more parameters for controlling the automated play mode may be determined based on player input and/or data or a program stored in the gaming device and/or data or a program stored in a controller in communication with the gaming device. Termination of the automated play mode may result from player input and/or may be determined on the basis of a parameter that may be determined on the basis of player input or may be determined automatically by the gaming device or by a controller in communication with the gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Game play cycles may be continuously performed in the automated play mode without player input. One or more parameters for controlling the automated play mode may be determined based on player input and/or data or a program stored in the gaming device and/or data or a program stored in a controller in communication with the gaming device. Termination of the automated play mode may result from player input and/or may be determined on the basis of a parameter that may be determined on the basis of player input or may be determined automatically by the gaming device or by a controller in communication with the gaming device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining a recipient of an offer; and for determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further provide for transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes that is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM). A player may then purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal and then view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). In some embodiments, a salesperson inspects at least one tamper evident item associated with the tangible medium for any indication of tampering. If no tampering is evident, then the salesperson activates the tangible medium upon receipt of a purchase price. In some embodiments, if the salesperson determines that tampering has occurred, then she refuses to activate the tangible medium, and information about the player and the tangible medium may be communicated to one or more databases.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate lottery ticket transactions. A request to purchase a lottery ticket is received, the lottery ticket being associated with a lottery number combination, such as a limited number of lottery tickets or a limited number of players. An indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with a limited number of occurrences is also received. For example, an indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with only a single lottery ticket may be received. A price associated with the lottery ticket is determined based on the received indication. According to one embodiment, the price is increased by a predetermined amount based on the received indication.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Termination of and/or changes in the automated play mode may be related to player input, other types of information about a player (or the player's body), and/or whether a player is directing attention to play of the gaming device.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for presenting forward commitment agreements to consumers proximate to a benefit dispensing device such as a vending machine or an automatic teller machine. A controller is in communication with one or more benefit dispensing devices and one or more merchant devices. Merchants devise forward commitment agreements to be offered to consumers. Such agreements specify a benefit that will be provided to a consumer immediately if the consumer agrees to fulfill a commitment in the future. Using a merchant device, a merchant communicates descriptions of the forward commitment agreements to the controller. When a consumer subsequently accesses a benefit dispensing device, the controller, via the benefit dispensing device, offers a forward commitment agreement to the consumer. If the consumer chooses to enter into the forward commitment agreement, then the benefit dispensing device provides the consumer with an immediate benefit.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for presenting forward commitment agreements to consumers proximate to a benefit dispensing device such as a vending machine or an automatic teller machine. A controller is in communication with one or more benefit dispensing devices and one or more merchant devices. Merchants devise forward commitment agreements to be offered to consumers. Such agreements specify a benefit that will be provided to a consumer immediately if the consumer agrees to fulfill a commitment in the future. Using a merchant device, a merchant communicates descriptions of the forward commitment agreements to the controller. When a consumer subsequently accesses a benefit dispensing device, the controller, via the benefit dispensing device, offers a forward commitment agreement to the consumer. If the consumer chooses to enter into the forward commitment agreement, then the benefit dispensing device provides the consumer with an immediate benefit.