Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. In accordance with one embodiment, a player may enter into a contract, wherein the contract specifies the flat rate play session as described above.

Abstract: A gaming machine that provides free long distance telephone calls, or audio entertainment, as a reward for the continued playing of the gaming machine. The player may continue the free long distance phone call, or continue receiving the audio entertainment, as long his play meets a predetermined level of usage criteria.

Abstract: A method and system for remote play of a gaming device, such as a slot machine. A player enters play preferences at a remote wagering terminal. The remote wagering terminal transmits the play preferences to a slot network server that stores the play preferences. Based upon the play preferences, the slot network server identifies one or more slot machines and transmits outcome data from those slot machines to the remote wagering terminal. The outcome data may be live or historical. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slot network service generates simulated outcome data to the remote wagering terminal. The slot network server keeps track of the player's wins and losses based upon the outcome data.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for receiving a player identifier, transmitting the player identifier to a central server, receiving data corresponding to the player identifier from the central server, and configuring play of a casino game based on the data.

Abstract: A system and method of allocating a conditional purchase offer for a product or service to one of a plurality of entities in a buyer-driven system. The conditional purchase offer for the product or service in a specified relevant market area is received and at least one of the plurality of entities capable of satisfying the conditional purchase offer are identified. A first-look opportunity to accept the conditional purchase offer is allocated to one of the identified entities and, if it is determined that that entity cannot accept the conditional purchase offer, then a second-look opportunity to accept the conditional purchase offer is provided to one of the remaining entities. The opportunity to accept the offer is provided to each entity according to the allocation until an entity accepts the conditional purchase offer or no eligible entities remain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording audio so that the recording can be authenticated as to both content and time of recording is provided. The system may be implemented as a central server that is accessed via one or more telephone lines, or as a stand-alone unit. The system operates by encrypting audio information, storing the encrypted information, and providing users with a cryptographic key that can be used to decrypt the stored information. Preferably, time stamps are embedded in the stored information. Digital signatures may be used to provide additional security.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment of the present invention provides for receiving a request for an automated session. The automated session comprises a plurality of games. The method further provides for initiating a first game of the automated session, the first game corresponding to a first gaming device, and initiating a second game of the automated session, the second game corresponding to a second gaming device.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment of the present invention provides for receiving data indicating a request by a player for an automated session, in which the automated session comprises a plurality of lottery outcomes. The method further provides for determining at least one parameter associated with the automated session and for determining at least one lottery outcome. The method also includes providing the at least one lottery outcome based on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A system is described for facilitating a syndicated sale of an insurance policy. The system employs a processor and a storage device connected to the processor, and a data receiving device and data output device connected to the processor. The processor executes a program to receive information relating to the insurance policy, and to transmit for electronic viewing by a potential buyer an invitation to offer to buy a share in the underwriting of the insurance policy. The share has associated therewith a risk cost assessable to the buyer if payment is made on a claim under the insurance policy. The processor receives offers to underwrite the share of the insurance policy; each offer includes information identifying collateral against which the risk cost may be charged in the event of payment on a claim. The transmission of the invitation and the offer to buy a share may advantageously be made on the Internet.

Abstract: A system and process for generating, distributing, and processing lottery tickets guaranteed to win a drawing-based prize. Tickets are appropriately priced, and are validated at point of sale by a central server in which the ticket information is stored. Subsequent to each lottery drawing, the winning lottery numbers are compared to the entries in a never-lose ticket database to determine if any of the entries match the winning number. Winning entries are appropriately identified and tagged as inactive, while entries that have not yet won a drawing-based prize remain active for future drawings. Ticket pricing methodology is provided for appropriately pricing never-lose tickets. A method and apparatus are further provided whereby a ticket holder may query the status of a never-lose ticket directly from the server.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to a player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and an amount of credit to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for receiving an indication of a wager, displaying a set of spinning reels, receiving a response to a game of knowledge while the reels are spinning, determining a score based on the response, and determining a winner of a tournament based on the score.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for receiving a player identifier, transmitting the player identifier to a central server, receiving data corresponding to the player identifier from the central server, and configuring play of a casino game based on the data.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided for enabling a caller on hold to listen to one or more ongoing calls. The method includes receiving an incoming call, determining a subject category and at least one keyword associated with the incoming call, and determining an ongoing call based on the subject category and the at least one keyword. In one embodiment, keywords associated with calls may be stored in a database.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a contract is established for a session comprising two or more plays of at least one gaming device. Information about the game play session, such as outcomes generated at the at least one gaming device, is communicated to a player device. The information is presented to a player via the player device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.

Abstract: The call handling system incorporating the invention is directed at: queuing a call when no agent is available to service the call; giving the caller an option to monitor (but not participate in) other caller conversations with similar queries, or to listen to recorded calls involving similar queries; querying a database using collected initial information as a search key(s) to retrieve a similar call currently being serviced or a recorded call; and connecting the caller to a communication channel to allow the monitoring of a call while not losing place in the queue for a next available agent. In a further embodiment of the invention, the caller is given a further option to enter a “chat room” where callers having like problems can converse until an agent becomes available.

Abstract: A method of motivating players to return to a casino includes receiving a request to convert a predetermined value of casino currency to cash. Upon the receipt of the request, a premium value is calculated based at least in part on the predetermined value. Subsequently, the customer is provided an instrument having a total value equal to the predetermined value plus the premium value when the instrument is used at the casino. The instrument may comprise a check having a negotiable value equal to the predetermined value, and a second pay-line defining the total value with the premium to be provided if the check is cashed at the issuing casino.