Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of mechanical reels placed adjacent to a thin profile video display. The thin profile video display allows access to storage rearward thereof. The close relationship of the video display and reels allows a player to view both video display and the reels within one's field of vision.

Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of mechanical reels placed adjacent to a thin profile video display. The thin profile video display allows access to storage rearward thereof. The close relationship of the video display and reels allows a player to view both video display and the reels within one's field of vision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows player gaming to transpire over a series of sessions without a player losing credit for performances in earlier sessions. A player card carries thereon the current status of the player's performance during the course of previous sessions and it updated during subsequent sessions. Milestones are recognized as opportunities for providing the player with awards as these milestones are achieved.

Abstract: A gaming device and method which provides a player with an opportunity of an enhanced output based on a display of a first predetermined value on a first display which subsequently activates a second display controllable to a certain extent by the player. The second display provides the player with an enhanced credit scheme and provides the player with a second option of continuing to attempt to enhance the credit payout or retiring before an event occurs which extinguishes the bonusing feature and the award.

Abstract: A cooperative group gaming apparatus and method therefore including a plurality of gaming machines including means for individual play, means for communal play and communal payout means influenced by any gaming machine participating in cooperative group play, said plurality of gaming machines operatively coupled to at least one controller which, inter alia, communicates with at least one display means for displaying the effects of cooperative group play to game players.

Abstract: A gaming device security system is disclosed which includes two processing areas linked together and communicating critical gaming functions via a security protocol wherein each transmitted gaming function includes a specific encrypted signature to be decoded and validated before being processed by either processing area. The two processing areas include a first processing area having a dynamic RAM and an open architecture design which is expandable without interfering or accessing critical gaming functions and a second "secure" processing area having a non-alterable memory for the storage of critical gaming functions therein.

Abstract: A gaming machine display, apparatus and method in which a simulation of minting coins is provided on a video monitor of a gaming machine coupled to a processor which simulates a plurality of balls extending down a trackway, a simulated minting machine on the display oriented to receive the balls and simulated coins exiting the machine as a function of player performance. The player performance, should it reach a grand prize level causes the minting station to break via simulation and the appearance of a caricature announces that an attendant will come by for resetting the machine for hand payout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a gaming event in which a player is awarded outright for a winning combination and also allowed to participate in the incremental exposition of a potential reward subsequently based on losing, where the losing simulates unlocking the combination of a safe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically switching between any of a plurality of theoretical expectations on a gaming or amusement device of the kind where the outcome is determined by a combination of random or pseudo-random events yielding an associated score from a table of values. Any one of a plurality of predetermined random "trigger" events will cause the amusement or gaming device to automatically vary the likelihood of certain random events, without altering the associated score for any particular outcome, for a minimum "duration" period. By altering the likelihood of any particular outcome, the device will operate at a different theoretical expectation.

Abstract: An interactive gaming device allowing a dynamic exchange between player and the gaming device including a plurality of first gaming machines all driven by a random number generator and a second gaming means capable of being influenced by any of the players engaged in the first gaming devices upon qualifying, said second gaming device influenced by a random number generator.

Abstract: A progressive gaming system (10) which enables slot machines (100) at a variety of independent non-restricted gaming locations (casino sites) (80) to contribute to and compete for a set of common jackpots. The system (10) provides a secure and reliable real-time progressive system that is capable of operating on a variety of different manufacturers' makes and models of slot machines (100). A tightly controlled computer network (22) at a host site (20) oversees the entire system (10) and is the master for computing all jackpots. All participating casino sites (80) report to, and receive information from, the host site (20) exclusively. A casino site master controller (82) at each casino site is responsible for, inter alia, all data communication between the casino hardware and software and the host site (20). In addition, each "bank" (a group of attached gaming machines) at a casino site (80) has a bank controller (120) and progressive meter display (104).