Abstract: A hotel or motel room (or other defined area) incorporates special effects in accordance with a particular theme (e.g., haunted room). A control room provides a concealed area for personnel and/or automated systems, including artificial intelligence, to trigger the special effects which may include, but are limited to shaking, rattling, rumbling, pepper ghosts, water fixtures being activated, thunder and lightning, swapping tiles with digital graphics, turning on a TV, clock or light, etc. Heat sensors, weight sensors, biometric sensors, floor mats and/or other sensors determine positions of guests in the hotel and hotel rooms thereby allowing the automatic or manual triggering of the special effects. The system may utilize a guest's mobile phone for unique and exciting in-room or across-property missions and tasks.

Abstract: A hotel or motel room incorporates special effects in accordance with a particular theme (e.g., haunted room). A control room provides a concealed area for personnel and/or automated systems to trigger the special effects which may include, but are limited to shaking, rattling, rumbling, pepper ghosts, water fixtures being activated, thunder and lightning, swapping tiles with digital graphics, turning on a TV, clock or light, etc. Heat sensors, weight sensors, floor mats and/or other sensors determine positions of guests in the hotel and hotel rooms thereby allowing the automatic or manual triggering of the special effects.

Abstract: A hotel or motel room incorporates special effects in accordance with a particular theme (e.g., haunted room). A control room provides a concealed area for personnel and/or automated systems to trigger the special effects which may include, but are limited to shaking, rattling, rumbling, pepper ghosts, water fixtures being activated, thunder and lightning, swapping tiles with digital graphics, turning on a TV, clock or light, etc. Heat sensors, weight sensors, floor mats and/or other sensors determine positions of guests in the hotel and hotel rooms thereby allowing the automatic or manual triggering of the special effects.

Abstract: A game system utilizing one or more ball blowers to randomly generate a prize or award based on a triggering outcome of an underlying game of chance. The ball blower contains a series of balls depicting information indicative of a prize or award. The ball blower may automatically activate responsive to a triggering outcome or utilize an interface through which a player or dealer may activate the ball blower.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game incorporating an opportunity for a player to increase a primary game award is disclosed. A slot machine primary game award may be increased or decreased pursuant to an optional bonus game. Should the player elect not to play the bonus game, the player is paid the primary game award. Otherwise, the bonus game is conducted and the primary game award is increased, decreased or maintained constant. In one version, a threshold primary game award (e.g., $10.00) triggers the bonus game option.

Abstract: A slot machine and method of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The slot machine incorporates a topper having a display unit corresponding to each primary game reel. Depending on its current state, the display units turn on and turn off in response to pre-established game indicia aligning along a payline. A payout is awarded when all the display units are turned on simultaneously after a game play. In other versions, a bonus display comprises a grid of display units or a segmented display unit in the form of a gaming symbol. With the grid, once a winning pattern of display units is illuminated, a bonus award is provided. Similarly, with the segmented display units, once all segments of one or more display units are illuminated, a bonus award is provided.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a mechanical component for facilitating concealment of a display device during inactivity. Upon activation, a dynamic member of the mechanical component re-positions to reveal the display device showing a player award. The dynamic member and display combination facilitates an unlimited number of gaming machines. By way of example, a bonus game comprises two arms extending from a top portion of a gaming machine. In response to a primary game outcome, a player is provided with an opportunity to select one of the arms. Upon the player's selection, a hand corresponding to the selected arm, turns over and opens to reveal the display device and displayed bonus award. Other examples include flower petals opening and self-opening bottles. The use of mechanical components having one or more dynamic members attract players and facilitate a unique means of generating and displaying a primary or bonus award.

Abstract: A slot machine and method of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The slot machine incorporates a topper having a display unit corresponding to each primary game reel. Depending on its current state, the display units turn on and turn off in response to pre-established game indicia aligning along a payline. A payout is awarded when all the display units are turned on simultaneously after a game play.

Abstract: A an interactive play city is disclosed. The play city can act as an educational play or be played as a game. In either case, the play city is formed of connectable members used to form streets and building foundations. Buildings are then connectable to the certain connectable members to form the city. A control unit (e.g., processor) controls city activities including stop lights and building lights, emergency alarms, fires with smoke, day and night, city sound effects, storm sounds, etc. The control unit may control the city activities wirelessly or in a wired configuration and may be housed in one of the city buildings or may be remotely located. Card readers on certain buildings (e.g., bank) provide a mechanism for players to purchase goods and services within the city. The play city provides a realistic forum for children to become associated with everyday life and its ups and downs. A play city game further provides valuable lessons for the players.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a secondary or bonus game comprising a mirrored disco ball. Static bonus numerals and alphanumeric LCD or LED displays in combination with the mirrors provide an exciting method of displaying a secondary game award. In response to a preestablished primary game outcome, the player may be given the opportunity to select one or more pointers adjacent the disco ball. The pointers identify which static bonus numerals and alphanumeric LCD or LED displays may be illuminated to ascertain the amount of the secondary game award. The LCD or LED displays are used to display numerals, symbols or other indicia relevant to ascertaining the amount of the secondary award. The disco ball also rotates and emits rays of light in a manner associated with a conventional disco ball and conducive to casino environment. In another version, the disco ball is comprised of an outer spherical chamber and inner spherical chamber. It is further disclosed that the outer chamber may be three independent sections.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a secondary game comprising either a physical or video depicted blender is disclosed. Ice cubes having values or symbols incorporated thereon define a bonus award. In the video embodiment, a display shows an operating blender causing a lid to dislodge allowing an ice cube to be ejected. The value depicted on the ejected ice cube defines the amount of the secondary award. Speakers output blender sounds to add excitement and realism to the video embodiment. In a mechanical embodiment, a physical blender contains lightweight indicators in the general shape of ice cubes. An air supply tube in communication with the blender causes the indicators to circulate within the blender. A second tube creates a vacuum thereby causing one of the indicators to be captured by a lid protrusion. Other mechanical versions are disclosed as well. A system for evaluating and transmitting the value of the captured indicator to a machine processor is disclosed.

Abstract: In a table game, ideally a game of blackjack, a player has an option of making 2nd chance wagers prior to any cards being dealt. A first type of 2nd chance wager is that the player's first two dealt cards have a total point value of “21.” A second type of 2nd chance wager is that a dealer's first two dealt cards have a total point value of “21.” When the player wins a 2nd chance wager, the dealer causes a numbered ball to be captured from a ball dispenser. The amount of the 2nd chance wager is multiplied by the number on the captured ball to determine the payout associated with the 2nd chance wager. Alternatively, the ball number or a summation of ball numbers may be used to calculate a cash value of the payout.

Abstract: Disclosed is a card game wherein each player first places three separate wagers of equal value. Then, a dealer deals each player three face-up cards corresponding to each wager and deals himself or herself one card face up and one card face down. Two of the player cards are designated Blackjack cards and along with the dealer's face up card form two separate Blackjack hands. The third card is a bonus card that the player may decide to move to either of the two Blackjack hands along with its corresponding wager. Otherwise, the bonus card and corresponding wager is forfeited. Once a decision regarding the bonus card has been made, the player plays the two Blackjack hands, both hands including the dealer's face up card, according to the conventional rules of Blackjack. Payouts correspond to conventional Blackjack.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a mechanical component for facilitating concealment of a display device during inactivity. Upon activation, a dynamic member of the mechanical component re-positions to reveal the display device showing a player award. The dynamic member and display combination facilitates an unlimited number of gaming machines. By way of example, a bonus game comprises two arms extending from a top portion of a gaming machine. In response to a primary game outcome, a player is provided with an opportunity to select one of the arms. Upon the player's selection, a hand corresponding to the selected arm, turns over and opens to reveal the display device and displayed bonus award. Other examples include flower petals opening and self-opening bottles. The use of mechanical components having one or more dynamic members attract players and facilitate a unique means of generating and displaying a primary or bonus award.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprising a container for holding a plurality of numbered balls which are agitated by an air source. A plurality of compartments incorporated on a rotatable wheel in communication with the container capture one or more of the numbered balls. Each of the numbered balls or certain identified captured balls are used to determine a gaming machine award. Certain captured balls may be identified by one or more pointers positioned about the container. In a keno version of the gaming machine a player is afforded the opportunity to select one or more keno numbers using a player interface. An award is then determined based on the numbers on the captured balls and the selected keno numbers. The balls are captured by opening one or more access doors blocking the compartments thereby exposing the balls to a vacuum in the compartment.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a secondary game comprising either a physical or video depicted blender is disclosed. Ice cubes having values or symbols incorporated thereon define a bonus award. In the video embodiment, a display shows an operating blender causing a lid to dislodge allowing an ice cube to be ejected. The value depicted on the ejected ice cube defines the amount of the secondary award. Speakers output blender sounds to add excitement and realism to the video embodiment. In a mechanical embodiment, a physical blender contains lightweight indicators in the general shape of ice cubes. An air supply tube in communication with the blender causes the indicators to circulate within the blender. A second tube creates a vacuum thereby causing one of the indicators to be captured by a lid cap. A system for evaluating and transmitting the value of the captured indicator to a machine processor is disclosed.