Abstract: A gaming machine is described having a gaming controller operable to control one or more games of chance played on the gaming machine. A memory stores 3-D data corresponding to a 3-D gaming environment. Gaming logic renders a plurality of images of the 3-D gaming environment for presentation on the machine's display. The images depict manipulation of one or more aspects of the 3-D gaming environment by a user. A user interface provides user input to facilitate the manipulation of the one or more aspects of the 3-D gaming environment by the user.

Abstract: In a gaming method, a wager may be received from a player via a value input device of a gaming apparatus, and an image representative of a game may be generated for display on a display unit of the gaming apparatus. Compiled code associated with play of the game may be executed using a processor of the apparatus, and the compiled code may include code to read data from a file stored in a memory of the gaming apparatus, wherein the file is separate from the compiled code. First uncompiled instruction data may be read from the file using the compiled code, the first uncompiled instruction data indicative of a request to create a first software object associated with play of the game. The first software object may be created using the compiled code in response to the uncompiled first instruction data. Second uncompiled instruction data may be from the file using the compiled code, the second uncompiled instruction data indicative of a request to create a second software object associated with play of the game.

Abstract: A gaming method that includes causing a first video image to be generated, wherein the first video image represents a first game selected from the group of first games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno and video bingo. The method further includes causing a second video image to be generated, wherein said second video image represents an instant bonus game. The method also includes providing said instant bonus game to a player without requiring play of said first game and evaluating a first outcome of said first game when said first game is selected by said player. The method also includes evaluating a second outcome of said instant bonus game when said instant bonus game is selected by said player and determining a first value payout associated with said first outcome of said first game when said first game is selected by said player, and determining a second value payout associated with said instant bonus game when said instant bonus game is selected by said player.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides a gaming machine with a non-volatile memory storage device and gaming software that allows the dynamic allocation and de-allocation of memory locations in a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory storage devices interface to an industry standard peripheral component interface (PCI) bus commonly used in the computer industry allowing communication between a master gaming controller the non-volatile memory. The master gaming controller executes software for a non-volatile memory allocation system that enables the dynamic allocation and de-allocation of non-volatile memory locations. In addition, the non-volatile memory allocation system enables a non-volatile memory file system. With the non-volatile memory file system, critical data stored in the non-volatile memory may be accessed and modified using operating system utilities such as word processors, graphic utilities and compression utilities.

Abstract: A gaming system and method for facilitating electronic fulfillment of prizes is provided. Once the gaming system determines that a player is entitled to a prize for a result achieved while playing a game on the gaming machine and/or detects that a player wishes to redeem credits or a prize, the player is presented with prize fulfillment options via a player tracking device. In response to the presented prize fulfillment options, the gaming system receives prize fulfillment specifications entered by the player. These prize fulfillment specifications are communicated by the gaming system to a prize fulfillment site that is responsible for fulfilling prizes. In one embodiment, the prize fulfillment site can be remote from said property, and can be a retail entity such as an Internet retail entity. In other embodiments, the prize fulfillment site can be affiliated with the property.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downloading peripheral control code to a peripheral of a gaming device are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of providing a peripheral controller adapted to control the peripheral device and a programmable memory associated with the controller, providing a signal for causing control code to be transmitted from a remote location to said peripheral, transmitting the control code to the peripheral, storing the control code at the programmable memory, and executing the code with the peripheral controller to enable the operation of the peripheral device by the peripheral controller. In one embodiment, the control code is transmitted from a data storage device associated with the gaming control device. In one embodiment, the control code is authenticated before it is transmitted to the peripheral, and is verified after being transmitted to the peripheral.