Abstract: A system for managing wagering game content is described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wagering game machine management server. The wagering game server can include a content controller configured to receive wagering game content and load the wagering game content onto a wagering game machine over the network. The wagering game server can also include a compatibility controller configured to determine whether the wagering game content is compatible with the wagering game machine. Additionally, the wagering game server can include a license controller configured to receive licensing information and to use the licensing information to activate the wagering game content.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A system for managing wagering game content is described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wagering game machine management server. The wagering game server can include a content controller configured to receive wagering game content and load the wagering game content onto a wagering game machine over the network. The wagering game server can also include a compatibility controller configured to determine whether the wagering game content is compatible with the wagering game machine. Additionally, the wagering game server can include a license controller configured to receive licensing information and to use the licensing information to activate the wagering game content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a method comprising determining, by a wagering game unit of a wagering game machine, a result of a wagering game. The method can also include requesting, over a network by an award system unit of the wagering game machine, awards of a first award type be added to an electronic player account based on the result of the wagering game. The method can include receiving, by the award system unit, electronic input requesting to exchange the awards of the first award type in the electronic player account for awards of a second award type. The method can include requesting, over the network by the award system unit, exchange of the awards of the first award type in the electronic player account for the awards of the second award type.

Abstract: An input device dedicated for use with a wagering game is displayed on a display device. The display device is remote from the input device and includes outcome images of a randomly selected outcome and input images associated with player inputs for the wagering game. The input device includes a player input-receiving area and an interface. The player input-receiving area has a plurality of input elements associated with respective functions of the wagering game. The input elements replicate the input images of the player inputs. The interface is coupled to the input elements and transmits signals in response to the player activating the input elements.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a plurality of game cards that may be read by one or more card readers of the gaming machine. The game cards may provide a variety of enhancements for the gaming machine, including enhanced game features, enhanced rules of game play, enhanced game characters, and the like. Players may collect the game cards for use in the gaming machine in hopes of increasing their likelihood of achieving a desirable outcome or altering the characteristics of the game to offer more entertaining variations on game play. The players may also trade the game cards with one another and with the casino, thereby creating excitement and interest in the gaming machine. Special interest groups and even entire industries may be formed to facilitate the collecting and trading of the game cards.

Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include detecting, by one or more processors, one or more events of a first event type, a second event type, and a third event type. Embodiments further include, in response to the detecting the one or more events of the first event type, the second event type, and the third event type, determining, by the one or more processors, non-cash awards of a first award type, second award type, and third award type, respectively, to provide to the player.

Abstract: A gaming system for playing a wagering game has a plurality of reel sets and one or more additional reels. The system spins the reel sets and the one or more additional reels to generate an outcome.

Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include detecting, by one or more processors, one or more events of a first event type, a second event type, and a third event type. Embodiments further include, in response to the detecting the one or more events of the first event type, the second event type, and the third event type, determining, by the one or more processors, non-cash awards of a first award type, second award type, and third award type, respectively, to provide to the player.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a computer-implemented method for monitoring and making marketing offers using electronic devices in a wagering game network. The method can include detecting an event in the wagering game network, wherein the event indicates a player's eligibility for a marketing offer, wherein the event originates from one of the electronic devices. The method can also include determining a monetary value of the marketing offer based on terms associated with the marketing offer, and determining, based on the monetary value, that the player's acceptance of the marketing offer would exceed a marketing budget. The method can include reducing the monetary value of the marketing offer to be within the marketing budget, and causing presentation of the marketing offer on the one of the electronic devices.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one winning outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is the at least one winning outcome, (iv) determine if the at least one winning outcome satisfies a booster eligibility requirement, (v) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one winning outcome, provide a first award, and (vi) in response to the at least one winning outcome satisfying the booster eligibility requirement, provide a second award.

Abstract: A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects player activity in a wagering game system. The system can also award a first value type to a player account for participation in activities in the wagering game system. The system can also receive a request to exchange the first value type for a second value type, wherein the first value type and the second value type are not currencies issued by a world government. The system can also determine that the first value type is exchangeable for the second value type. The system can also determine a conversion rate, wherein the conversion rate indicated the first value type in terms of the second value type. The system can also exchange the first value type for the second value type based on the conversion rate.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method including receiving an indication of a wager and displaying outcomes of wagering games on at least one display device in response to a wager indication being received, the displayed outcomes being randomly generated by at least one processor. The method also including accumulating a bonus-event playing time upon satisfying at least one predetermined condition as the wagering games are played, initiating a bonus game in which a player is eligible to receive awards for a period of time, determining, via at least one processor, the accumulated playing time accrued prior to the initiation of the bonus game, allowing the player to participate in the bonus game for at least as long as the accumulated playing time and providing any awards earned by the player during their participation in the bonus game.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the game display directly in the player's line of sight including game-play regions at which symbols appear and regions above, below, between, and to the sides the game-play regions. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the game display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. The transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with a bonus game played at the gaming machine.

Abstract: A method of funding features of a wagering game, comprises receiving a first sum of money generated from extra-casino activity associated with at least one person and depositing the first sum into a feature fund. The method further comprises allocating the first sum to at least one account of the feature fund in accordance with a first rule set. The method further comprises, in response to a triggering event, withdrawing a second sum of money from the at least one account. The method further comprises funding at least one feature associated with the wagering game from the second sum of money and activating the funded feature.

Abstract: A gaming system for playing a wagering game is provided which includes a plurality of gaming machines (10a-1Of) configured to play a wagering game and to participate in a community-event. A movable member (99) is disposed substantially adjacent to the plurality of gaming machines and is configured to move relative to the plurality of gaining machines from a first position to a second position during a community-event (S500) in response to a single triggering event (S505).

Abstract: A method of funding features of a wagering game, comprises receiving a first sum of money generated from extra-casino activity associated with at least one person and depositing the first sum into a feature fund. The method further comprises allocating the first sum to at least one account of the feature fund in accordance with a first rule set. The method further comprises, in response to a triggering event, withdrawing a second sum of money from the at least one account. The method further comprises funding at least one feature associated with the wagering game from the second sum of money and activating the funded feature.

Abstract: A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects player activity in a wagering game system. The system can also award a first value type to a player account for participation in activities in the wagering game system. The system can also receive a request to exchange the first value type for a second value type, wherein the first value type and the second value type are not currencies issued by a world government. The system can also determine that the first value type is exchangeable for the second value type. The system can also determine a conversion rate, wherein the conversion rate indicated the first value type in terms of the second value type. The system can also exchange the first value type for the second value type based on the conversion rate.