Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on a gaming machine with a card reader and a player card. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage. The apparatus and method can prompt the player in regards to credits remaining on a credit meter of the gaming machine if the player card is left in the card reader when credits remain on the credit meter.

Abstract: A gaming system (10) includes gaming machines (100, 102, 104, 106) arranged to receive input data and to generate output data. A central database (24) stores the input data and the output data. A data processing unit 40 includes a local database (46). Unit 40 polls the gaming machines to obtain the output data over a network (12), stores the output data in the local database, transmits the output data over the network to the central database and arranges the data in a format useable by report generating software, obtains the input data from the central database, and stores the input data in the local database for use by the gaming machines.

Abstract: A gaming machine, and method for a gaming machine, in which player identification data (e.g., from a player card and personal identification number) is communicated via a link to a remote computer system. Player information (e.g., perquisites information) is retrieved from the remote computer system. A graphical presentation system presents the game to the player, as well as, allows the player to display information (e.g. player status, amounts of credits, etc.) on the visual display device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage. A player account is created which has an account balance amount. A player can remove a quantity of credits from a credit meter of the gaming machine in accordance with a selected amount and uploaded the selected amount to the player account to increase the account balance amount.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage. A player account is created which has two account balances, one balance based on cash value and the other balance based on promotional value. Credits on the credit meter related to the promotional value cannot be cashed out. In addition, credits on the credit meter may be accounted as to type of credit, and one type of credit may be removed from the credit meter before another type of credit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can select one of a plurality of operating characteristics or game in accordance with player data stored in a memory, and be notified a relative ranking during gaming. In this method player data relating to an attribute or a game of one gaming machine is stored in a memory ; the player data from the memory can be downloaded to the gaming machine; the gaming machine is calibrated to provide the operating characteristic or game in accordance with the downloaded player data; the player then plays the calibrated gaming machine; and the gaming machine can display an update of the progress of play of the player, including relative ranking of the player.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gaming device in which a player is awarded outright for a winning combination and is eligible for a reward if the displayed outcome can be manipulated by the gaming device to produce a winning combination. A special bar symbol can be coupled with a certain bar subset of the universe of symbols to initiate a further award, perhaps coupled with a multiplier. Preferably, a bonus is provided which includes overlapping exhibitors such as wheels having a sector defining the overlap indicating a bonus element which is placed on an array. A series of elements on the array, when forming a pattern which is recognized by the game results in added credits.

Abstract: A gaming device having a first chance opportunity and a second, serially dependent, chance opportunity is provided. The first chance opportunity is preferably a multiple reel game having a special outcome for triggering the second chance opportunity. The second chance opportunity is preferably a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to a tower atop the reel game. The first of the wheels will spin and provide an outcome upon a specified outcome of the reel game. Each successive wheel will spin when a specified outcome is depicted on a previous wheel. This will continue until either the specified outcome does not occur or the last wheel is spun. In another version, plural wheels are each uniquely related—one to a given reel, such that a certain reel outcome will energize its associated wheel only. Multiple wheels, when synchronized to a certain outcome, lead to a bigger wheel for a jackpot.

Abstract: A method and device for gaming, in which an initial game is played toward an ultimate winning outcome, but with several intermediate winning outcomes possible before achieving the ultimate winning outcome. Several of these games may be played concurrently on the same device in pursuit of the ultimate winning outcome. Achieving the ultimate winning outcome may result in an award or in a subsequent gaming event. Play of a single gaming session need not take place in one sitting; the state of the current session may be saved, dispensed to the player in a physical form, and resumed at a later time.

Abstract: A gaming device and method having a primary display and a plurality of symbols on the primary display which leads to a first bonus. The first bonus is a serpentine path over which a character must traverse in order to achieve a second bonus in which the character moves along in a vehicle on a road “in a movie simulation”. The character stops at at least one of a plurality of mercantile establishments. A second round may be accessed from the primary game without the intervening bonus game.

Abstract: A method and device for gaming, in which a primary game is played toward a winning outcome, and in which a secondary game is played concurrently with the primary game, using outcomes on the primary game to determine the outcome of the secondary game. The secondary game is entirely different from the primary game, and play continues on the secondary game through successive primary games. The player may increase the chances of winning the secondary game by either increasing the wager, which increases the total number of outcomes that apply to the secondary game, or by choosing a variation of the secondary game that has more winning outcomes possible.

Abstract: A method and device for gaming, in which a primary game is played toward a winning outcome, but including a bonus event triggered by a particular outcome or outcomes. The bonus event is characterized by allowance of play against the device to earn awards, the magnitude of such awards to be determined by the relative final successes based on simulated competition between the player and the device.

Abstract: A lottery kiosk includes a stand alone cabinet supporting a display, a plurality of user input buttons, a magnetic card reader, a ticket reader, and a ticket printer. In addition, the stand alone cabinet supports a controller having a microprocessor based control circuit therein. The software within the microprocessor controller contains the appropriate instruction set for facilitating the selection and purchase of lottery tickets. In addition, the controller further includes a game enhancement which is integrated with the lottery ticket purchase system to provide additional entertainment and amusement together with the potential of winning additional credits and lottery tickets.