Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for customizing a game application for play of a game of chance on a gaming machine. A plurality of attributes are provided. The attributes include at least one attribute relating to gaming behavior of associated individuals. Values of selected attributes associated with ones of a set of individuals are compared with values of the selected attributes associated with others of the individuals. This comparison is performed to determine at least one attribute difference representing a difference among the values of the attributes. A subset of the set of individuals is defined. Each of the individuals in the subset has the one attribute difference in common. Player identification information is received for the player. Responsive to receiving the player identification information, player attributes for the player are retrieved. Based on the retrieved player attributes for the player, it is determined whether the player belongs to the subset of individuals.

Abstract: A gaming system, comprising a plurality of gaming machines operating over a network, includes a bonus server for providing a promotion implementing a mystery award. The method for delivering a mystery award to a player over the computer gaming network comprises determining an award is to be delivered. A group of players eligible for the determined award is selected and notified of their eligibility to win the award. A portion of the group is then eliminated, thereby resulting in remaining eligible members. The eliminated members are notified of their elimination and the remaining eligible members are again eliminated from eligibility in subsequent steps until one or more award winners are selected. The one or more award winners are awarded the mystery award, and the eliminated players can be awarded a celebration (e.g. consolation) prize.

Abstract: A gaming machine award system acts over a gaming machine network having a plurality of gaming devices coupled thereto. The award system includes a bonus server coupled to the network and having stored thereon a trigger condition. A game play tracker tracks game play across the network of gaming devices and detects an occurrence of the trigger condition. The bonus server sends out a selection signal over the network to a selected gaming machine responsive to the detected trigger condition. A printer associated with the selected gaming machine is structured to generate printed output responsive to receipt of said selection signal. The printed ticket is a cashless instrument that may be redeemed or played per the nature and characteristics of the award given.

Abstract: A promotional gaming credit for use on a network of gaming machines has a limited usable life, being inactivated and made unavailable to a gaming player for further use after a predetermined time interval. A method for promoting gaming play on such gaming machines includes providing access to a player account responsive to a command initiated by a player at one of said gaming devices, depositing a promotional credit into the account, associating an expiration date with the promotional credit, and inactivating the promotional credit in accordance with the expiration date. The expiration date can be selectable by a network user.