Abstract: A card game monitor manages play of a game with a video feed of casino table game play. A dealer deals a game using a card-handling device that randomizes and dispenses cards, which may be grouped into sets of hands by the card-handling device. A card recognition system recognizes card information including rank and suit of each card dispensed by the card handling device while each card is under control of the card-handling device. A camera captures a video feed of casino table game play, which is transmitted to a computing device operated by a player. A control system receives the card information from the card recognition device and manages control of the game using hand information associated with players. Player action elections from the computing device are displayed to a dealer The player provides a player action through the computing device, which is used to facilitate play of the casino table game.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a two-dimensional poker game which includes a game board having a number of spaces for receiving game cards from one or more players. Game cards are placed on the game board such that they correspond in value or in suit with one or more previously placed game cards. Upon placing between one and five game cards on the game board to form a poker hand, a player receives a score. Scores established for particular poker hands may be modified if cards placed by the player cover a specially designated game board space. After each turn, a player adds the score earned for the current placed poker hand to any score from previous turns. At the end of the game, the value of any game cards remaining in a player's possession are deducted from the players cumulative score.

Abstract: Systems and methods include one or more processing devices configured to provide or send displayable content over a network to a client. The displayable content provides a wagering game system. The wagering game system includes a progressive wagering game that awards one or more progressive jackpot awards to a player. In response to social communications by the player over the network, the wagering game system provides a reward to the player, where the reward relates to the progressive wagering game or the one or more progressive jackpot awards.

Abstract: A spinner toy that can hold a cellular telephone, particularly those telephones known as “smartphones”. The toy can take any shape, color or configuration, but has a cavity on its upper surface that can receive a smartphone usually laid flat with the screen facing upward. The bottom of the toy has a protruding area that acts as a pivot so that the toy can be spun on a surface. An optional application can run in the smartphone that uses the accelerometer(s), compass and the like to sense the direction the front of the toy is pointing when it stops spinning or how long it spun or how fast. Various games or activities can be programmed to request the person being pointed at to perform some activity.

Abstract: A system and a method of conducting games of chance with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount are described. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games of chance, games of chance facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method shown here. Players may also receive enhanced awards such as enhanced player points based on the amount of the initial investment, or based on other parameters and factors. Awards and bonuses may also be provided to players who exhaust an initial investment exceeding a threshold amount. Different variations of the game and winning are also explained in details.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying information relating to a roulette game. A roulette game display comprises at least one of a hot bet field, a number frequency field, and an even-money bet road chart. The hot bet field displays a message including information relating to a highest ranking event stored in an event history. The number frequency field includes an arrangement of indicator spaces configured for marking to show recent results of a plurality of roulette wheel spins. The even-money bet road chart includes a grid for displaying a plurality of recently winning even-money bets.

Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a multi-action switch that is held in an initial position when the multi-action switch is not being pressed, and a position detection device for detecting whether the multi-action switch is in the initial position, a second position, or a third position. The gaming machine further includes a controller for controlling operations of the gaming machine in accordance with the position of the multi-action switch, such that the gaming machine carries out a first operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the second position, and a second operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the third position.

Abstract: A gaming system provides a wagering venue for multiple wagering positions. A processor executes code to simulate a physical random gaming event outcome using a random number generator. Memory stores three-dimensional video displayable image data of a device for the physical random gaming event outcome. A three-dimensional video display system has a three-dimensional image display field. At least two player input terminals and seating for the player input terminals within the at least 30 degree field of view. The processor i) identifies a wager from a specific player input terminal, ii) initiates generation of an event outcome in a random event outcome game, iii) generates an event outcome simulating a physical random event generating outcome; iv) selects image data from the memory of a three-dimensional event outcome in which the generated simulated physical random event outcome is shown; v) displays the selected image data; and resolves the wager based upon the generated event outcome.

Abstract: A map symbol to be substituted with another symbol is included in a symbol set for a game. When two or more map symbols are included in a symbol arrangement, symbols in a subset of the symbol set are scrolled on display blocks occupied by the map blocks in a simultaneous manner. Each of the map symbols is substituted with another symbol in the subset, thereby forming a finalized symbol arrangement. A payout process is performed based on the finalized symbol arrangement.

Abstract: Games such as reel-type slot games may have various features, including: an attribute accumulate feature which a player attempts to form combinations of collectable special symbols; a geometric pattern feature in which symbols within a geometric pattern or area may take on special attributes or features; a moving trigger feature; a symbol-triggered game transformation feature using logical rules; a player symbol selection in which reel symbols are player selected; and a reel-locking feature.

Abstract: A gaming machine operable under control of a processor includes a processor for controlling the gaming machine, an interface in electronic communication with the processor and at least one set of primary reels displayed at the interface, the set of primary reels having a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine also includes at least one set of secondary reels displayed on the interface. The secondary reel has a plurality of symbols and an intersecting region. The intersecting region intersects a portion of the at least one set of primary reels. Preferably the gaming machine has four sets of primary reels having corners and a single set of secondary reels that overlaps at least one corner of each of the sets of primary reels. The sets of reels can include physical, electronic or otherwise simulated sets of reels.

Abstract: On the slot machine, a slot game including a base game and free games is caused to proceed on a display. On the base game reel strips, on all of a plurality of reels, symbols whose each kind is the same, other than feature symbols and wild symbols, are arranged in succession. On the free game reel strips, on all of a plurality of reels, symbols whose each kind is the same, other than the feature symbols and the wild symbols, are arranged in succession and in addition thereto, only in a case of top symbols whose payout multiplying factor is the highest, the top symbols whose number is larger than a number of top symbols displayed on the base game reel strips are arranged in succession.

Abstract: Provided is a slot machine which prevents two continuous symbols from coming to be continuous even by conducting a rewriting process. In a case where the one part of the symbol columns is stopped and displayed in the display frame of a symbol display area 4, when a continuous symbol (CHANCE symbol 403) stopped displayed in the display frame of the symbol display area 4 is present in an upstream direction of the scrolling display outside of the display frame of the symbol display area 4, conducted is a delay process in which the rewriting process is conducted for a portion of the symbol column which is present upstream of a position P1 of the continuous symbol (CHANCE symbol 403) in the scrolling display being present in the upstream direction of the scrolling display outside of the display frame of the symbol display area 4.

Abstract: Provided is a slot machine capable of reducing unfairness which may result between a player who has made an investment and a player who has not made an investment and allowing a player to proceed with a game by making an investment in expectation of a jackpot at ease. Each money amount which is constant is accumulated independently of a number of bets each time betting is conducted, and upon winning a jackpot, a money amount calculated by multiplying a money amount accumulated until then by a multiplying factor based on the number of bets is provided.

Abstract: To provide a gaming machine which holds a player's attention until symbols are rearranged by reel actions. The operation of the scroll of symbols of a first scroll line is changed under a condition that predetermined symbols are arranged on a pay line in a state where symbols of at least one first scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines are scrolled and symbols of remaining second scroll lines are stopped.

Abstract: Provided is a gaming machine which does not bore the player through reel actions until completion of rearrangement of symbols. Under the condition where predetermined symbols are aligned on a payline when the symbols of a first scroll line of at least one of a plurality of scroll lines are being scrolled and symbols on the remaining second scroll lines are stopped, the gaming machine changes scrolling motion of symbols of the first scroll line.

Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed. One method includes receiving player input to activate a primary game; activating the primary game; presenting the activated game on a single screen of a video display, the activated game comprising a primary game displaying one or more game icons in various locations on a main screen of the video display and upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the primary game appears to animate at least one of the displayed game icons and move one or more wild icons about the main screen of the video display over one or more of the game icons, and randomly replacing one or more of the game icons with the one or more wild icons; determining whether the resulting combination of game icons and wild icons form any winning combinations; and awarding a single game payout for the primary game.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems are set forth to enable a player to play several, different concurrent games at a gaming device. The player selects the games to play from a game library and a processor assigns the game instances to real estate at the gaming device display. The player may record wagers to play the games. A processor determines game cycle times and choreographs play of the games' start and stop cycles to provide an appealing and serial display of game outcomes to the player.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wager game machines and methods. In one example, a method involves: selecting a first symbol set from a global symbol group; displaying the first symbol set, wherein the first symbol set includes at least two symbols; determining that a trigger event has occurred; responsive to determining that the trigger event has occurred, identifying at least one symbol in the first symbol set that is in a replaceable symbol group which is a subset of the global symbol group; for the or each symbol in the first symbol set which is in the replaceable symbol group, selecting a replacement symbol that is in the global symbol group; and displaying a second symbol set consisting of (i) the symbols in the first symbol set which are not in the replaceable symbol group, and (ii) the or each replacement symbol.

Abstract: On the slot machine, a slot game including a base game and free games is caused to proceed on a display. On the base game reel strips, on all of a plurality of reels, symbols whose each kind is the same, other than feature symbols and wild symbols, are arranged in succession. On the free game reel strips, on all of a plurality of reels, symbols whose each kind is the same, other than the feature symbols and the wild symbols, are arranged in succession and in addition thereto, only in a case of top symbols whose payout multiplying factor is the highest, the top symbols whose number is larger than a number of top symbols displayed on the base game reel strips are arranged in succession.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming machines having mechanical reels. The machine is adapted so that the reels to some extent protrude from the front face of the machine to enhance the user's awareness that the reels are genuine and, optionally, the reels may have side walls having matching indicia to the symbols on the periphery of the reels. The reels may also be observed from front and rear sides of the machine or alternatively, rotated about an upright axis to enable a player to observe front and rear outcomes from one point.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming device which enables a player to purchase the game in stages. The gaming device enables the player to place a first wager for a play of the game. After receiving the first wager, the gaming device randomly generates and displays a first outcome, determines whether the displayed first outcome includes any winning symbol combinations, and provides any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. Thereafter, the gaming device offers the player the opportunity to make a second wager for the play of the game. If the second wager is placed, the gaming device generates and displays the second outcome while the first outcome remains displayed. The gaming device evaluates the displayed second outcome in combination with the displayed first outcome to determine whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed and provides any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: awarding a plurality of game rounds in response to occurrence of a trigger event; and conducting at least two of the plurality of game rounds concurrently in separate display areas.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a gaming console. A display is mounted in the gaming console for displaying a wagering game and its result. A controller controls operation of the game, the controller displaying the result of a first game on the display, making payment of a prize if the first game has a prize winning result and, thereafter, irrespective of the result of the first game, varying a result displayed on the display without requiring any additional wager by a player whether before or after completion of the first game.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having at least one winning event and at least one related award that is generated according to a set of rules associated with the game. The game is driven to present a predefined winning outcome and an award is generated as if the winning event and award were generated according to the rules. Also provided are rules and/or conditions for determining when to generate the predefined wining event, including rules that take into account player value to the casino and game volatility preference.

Abstract: A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and at least one controller. The controller executes the wagering game, which includes first and second progressive awards each associated with a respective symbol-based outcome. Each symbol-based outcome has a respective frequency of occurrence. The controller randomly determines an outcome of the wagering game. The controller initiates a progressive-award-determination sequence in response to displaying the first and/or second symbol-based outcomes. There is a first probability of awarding the first progressive award, and a second probability of awarding the second progressive award.

Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a player with an opportunity to compete against an opponent (either a virtual opponent or a human opponent). In one embodiment, the gaming system and method provide a competition game that operates concurrently with a wagering game. In one embodiment, the competition game includes a turn-based video game which enables a player to compete against an opponent. Different generated symbol combinations for the wagering game represent different game actions or sequences for the competition game. That is, the symbols or symbol combinations generated in the wager game determine which game actions or sequences the gaming system causes to occur for the competition game. Based on such displayed game actions and sequences, the disclosed gaming system and method determines whether the player or the opponent wins that competition for the competition game.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for integrating winning enhancements with a video game performed by a video gaming computer device comprising: selecting on a random basis a first set of chance elements, that determine a first gaming outcome; retrieving one or more rules for generating and displaying video gaming output based on the first set of chance elements, the video gaming output including a first set of gaming elements organized in a first array; displaying the first set of gaming elements; selecting on a random basis a second set of chance elements that determine a second gaming outcome; retrieving one or more rules for generating and displaying video gaming output based on the second set of chance elements as a second set of gaming elements that produce winning enhancements, the second set of gaming elements being organized in a second array; and displaying the winning enhancements in way that simulates the second set of gaming elements interacting physically with the first set of gaming ele

Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a game of chance operable upon a wager by a player, a display, and a plurality of reels associated with the game of chance, wherein each of the plurality of reels include a defined plurality of positions to generate a symbol on the display. The gaming machine further including a processor programmed to provide the game of chance on the gaming machine, determine that at least two symbols generated on one of the plurality of reels are a designated symbol, and based on the determining, lock a position of the one of the plurality of reels for at least one additional generation of symbols on the other of the plurality of reels.

Abstract: A method for playing a game of chance on a gaming machine that includes a display and a plurality of reel positions associated with the game of chance. The plurality of reel positions are configured to be populated with predefined reel strips selected from a reel strip database. The method includes providing the game of chance on the gaming machine, selecting a plurality of predefined reel strips from the reel strip database, populating the plurality of reel positions with the selected plurality of predefined reel strips, and displaying a result of spinning the selected plurality of predefined reel strips.

Abstract: A method provides a secondary game for controlling free plays awarded in a wagering game conducted through a gaming machine. Once results are displayed for a number of free plays awarded in the wagering game, a secondary game is conducted and the outcome of the secondary game may award additional free plays. Once results for the additional free plays are displayed, the secondary game is conducted again and the outcome of the secondary game may award yet more free plays. Each instance of the secondary game may include a result that does not trigger additional free plays and thus may end the play sequence at the gaming machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enabling cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a system that includes a game server, a network, one or more gaming machines, and one or more mobile devices. The method includes: associating a player's mobile device with one of the one or more gaming machines at which the player has a gaming session; presenting a player with an option to move their gaming experience to their mobile device when the player leaves the associated gaming machine if a gaming session is in progress; enabling the player to use its mobile device to continue playing a game after the player has left a proximity of the associated gaming machine by transferring the game from the associated gaming machine to the player's mobile device; and enabling transfer of funds between the associated gaming machine and the players' mobile device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method to transfer money may include a mobile device associated with a player, a location server designed to: track a device position of the mobile device and track a vessel position, and a mobile gaming management server designed to: receive a fund transfer request from a gaming server for the mobile device, the fund transfer request including a fund amount; determine if the fund amount can be transferred to the mobile device based on the device position and the vessel position; and transfer the fund amount to the mobile device if it is determined that the fund amount can be transferred to the mobile device.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system for playing a wagering game is disclosed which includes one or more display devices, one or more input devices, one or more processors, and one or more memory devices. The memory device(s) stores instructions that, when executed by the processor(s), cause the gaming system to: simultaneously display the wagering game and a real-time event; randomly determine an outcome of the wagering game; identify a selected incident occurring in the real-time event, the occurrence of which is not controlled by the player or the gaming system; associate the selected incident with a parameter of the wagering game; and, upon occurrence of the selected incident in the real-time event during the simultaneous display of the wagering game and the real-time event, modify the parameter for a play of the wagering game.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual customized wagering game include providing a customization interface to a first player to allow the first player to customize a virtual wagering game to create a customized virtual wagering game. The customized virtual wagering game created by the first player is stored and is provided to one or more other players alone or as part of a casino created by the first player. The one or more other players are able to play the customized virtual wagering game, and in an embodiment such play may confer a benefit such as an amount of virtual currency or a customization feature on the first player.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes displaying a community game on at least one display device. Dependent upon a first player playing an underlying wagering game via a first terminal, the first player is permitted to participate in the community game. The community game is distinct from the underlying wagering game. Not dependent upon a second player playing an underlying wagering game via a second terminal, the second player is permitted to participate in the community game.

Abstract: Gifting in a gaming environment may be managed by determining a transfer of a gift value from a first player account to a second player account and determining a wager of the gift value from the second player account in a wagering game. A gift win amount attributable to a winning outcome of the wagering game when the gift value is used may be determined, and respective shares of the gift win amount may be allocated to the first and second player accounts.

Abstract: Loaning in a gaming environment may be managed by determining a loan value associated with a first player account, determining a transfer of the loan value from the first player account to a second player account, and determining a wager of the loan value from the second player account in the primary game. A loan win amount attributable to a winning outcome of the primary game when the loan value is used may be determined, and respective shares of the loan win amount may be allocated to the first and second player accounts.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are set forth for providing a system-wide competitive game where players of gaming devices may wager upon the game. In an embodiment the game is a competitive racing game such as an auto race. Players wager upon a race competitor and those players wagering upon the winning contestant are issued an award.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing gaming experiences using a game wheel. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to operate a gaming wheel having a plurality of sections. Each of the sections of the wheel includes a symbol mark and is associated with a section classification. Random selections of game wheel sections are made where selected sections associated with a first classification provide an award associated with the corresponding symbol mark and places a termination indicator in the selected section. Selected sections associated with a second classification clear one or more of the existing termination indicators, if any. Selections continue until a section associated with a termination indicator is selected.

Abstract: Methods of tracking points among participants in various wagers. An indication of a wager may be received, including point distributions, participants, an event, etc. An indication of an outcome of the wager may be received. Points may be allocated among participants in accordance with a desired point distribution based on the outcome of the wager. An indication of a point adjustment may be received, and points may be adjusted accordingly. The point adjustment may be associated with an external exchange between participants in a wager. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming machine including a display, a game controller, and a selector. A player operates the selector to enable the player to place one of a plurality of possible wagers on a play of the game comprising at least a first wager consisting of a base wager, and second and third wagers each consisting of a base wager portion and an additional wager portion. There is no guarantee that the at least one added feature will eventuate in a specific play of the game as a result of the player having staked the additional wager portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating wagering accounts with each of a stored value account and a loyalty account. The stored value account can be associated with a prepaid card and can be useable over an open system bankcard network. The prepaid card can allow funds in the stored value account to be used at any location capable of accepting payment through the open system bankcard network such as gas stations, grocery stations, outlets, and restaurants. A player transfer funds, back and forth between the stored value account and the wagering account.

Abstract: A transaction facilitation system is disclosed that is configured to affect substantially real-time crediting and debiting of a gaming accounts maintained within a gaming environment and structured to communicate by a private restricted communication link with an issuing financial institution of a stored value account to effect real-time crediting and debiting of the stored value account. Financial transactions using the stored value account can be and used customer relationship purposes.

Abstract: A transaction facilitation system is disclosed that is configured to affect substantially real-time crediting and debiting of a gaming accounts maintained within a gaming environment and structured to communicate by a private restricted communication link with an issuing financial institution of a stored value account to effect real-time crediting and debiting of the stored value account. Financial transactions using the stored value account can be and used customer relationship purposes.

Abstract: A computer implemented gaming support system and method are disclosed. A data repository is maintained encoding data on a user's gaming activity and on gaming outcomes. Financial stakes made by the user participating in one or more gaming events are tracked against their outcomes to determine an accumulated financial position in the data repository for said one or more gaming events. If the user's cumulative financial position is a net loss, a proportion of the loss is repaid to the user.

Abstract: A method of playing via a processing system a game of chance providing networking opportunities for players playing the game. A gaming environment is created to allow the players playing the game to compete with one another for a chance to win a prize. Each player playing the game is required to partner up with at least one partner from among the players playing the game as a condition for each player to become an eligible winner of the game to win the prize. A prize winner is selected via from among the players playing the game that have partnered up with the at least one partner. The selected prize winner is required to share a prize won by the selected prize winner with the at least one partner of the selected prize winner as a condition for the selected prize winner to receive the prize, thereby offering each player playing the game a chance to receive a share of the prize won either as a player selected as the prize winner or as the at least one partner of the prize winner.

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.