Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and apparatus and systems for playing a simulated card game, such as Texas Hold'em Poker, are provided. One embodiment comprises a method for playing a simulated card game. One such method comprises the steps of: displaying a plurality of entries and at least one of a set of community game elements to a virtual game to a player, each entry including at least two game elements, each game element associated with a game value according to a game rule for the virtual game; receiving a wager from the player, the wager associated with at least one bet type; displaying the remaining of the set of community game elements to the player; and determining whether the wager wins based on the plurality of entries, the at least one bet type, and according to the game rule for the virtual game.

Abstract: A wagering game system includes a service for conducting a group-wagering game for a group of players under the control of a gaming control system and a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal connected to the service and being configured to conduct a group-wagering game in combination with the service. The gaming control system is configured to permit a player in the group of players to unilaterally alter a membership of the group of players.

Abstract: A gaming device with a primary game scheme including one or more symbol generators and a plurality of wheels where each wheel is associated with a different one of the symbol generators. When one or more of the symbol generators generates at least one predetermined symbol, the gaming device activates or spins the wheel associated with that symbol generator. The gaming device provides any awards associated with the activated wheels to a player.

Abstract: Ticketing systems and methods are provided specifically relating to a player's ticket. A player's ticket references at least one player and allows the player's ticket holder to attend all sporting events played in by the at least one player referenced on the player's ticket. Information about a tournament, including the players, the tournament draw, and historical data, is acquired and used to determine the probabilities of players winning matches in the tournament. Event admissions for the player's ticket may be allocated by determining a probability distribution for accommodating all player's ticket holders and determining a profitability of the players ticket.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a multisurfaced object having at least a first surface and a second surface, with at least a first symbol disposed on the first surface and a second symbol disposed on the second surface. The apparatus also includes a container having an interior compartment and an opening in the container, wherein the multisurfaced object is positioned within the interior compartment, and at least the first surface is visible through the opening. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism associated with the multisurfaced object, adapted to rotate the multisurfaced object such that the second symbol is visible through the opening.

Abstract: A keno game is tied to video content such that events in the video content determine the outcome of the keno game. The outcome determinative events are selected from a set of potential outcome determinative events and marked with cues when the video content is displayed to the keno players and other video content watchers. The cues may be audible or visual and accentuate the fact that an outcome determinative event has occurred. If the player's wager has enough of the outcome determinative events selected relative to the actual outcome determinative events, the player may receive a benefit.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for determining, based on a first random number, an outcome for a first game play conducted at a gaming device, thereby determining a first outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the first outcome, thereby determining a first payout. The first payout is based on a probability of obtaining the first outcome and the first wager. The method further provides for determining, based on a second random number, an outcome for a second game play conducted at the gaming device, thereby determining a second outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the second outcome, thereby determining a second payout. The second payout is based on the first payout. In one embodiment both the first and second game plays are initiated in response to receiving, from the player, an initiation signal and a wager.

Abstract: A system and method for a computer-implemented educational investment and trading game comprising a player interface for display on player computer comprising a computer-usable medium comprising computer-executable instructions for continuous display of current values for indicia in the group comprising player account equity, where player account equity comprises cash, stocks, and bonds in a player account object, economic indicators, where economic indicators comprise economic indicators used in a real-life economy and selected by the player from a database of pre-defined economic indicators during a game initialization step, and current stock price for each corporation selected by the player in a game initialization step, the indicia being adjusted upon execution of each play iteration of the game, the player interface further comprising a notice of activity icon during the execution of the play iteration comprising a textual explanation of the step being executed.

Abstract: A chucker with slits, capable of reducing the scale of a device with a simple configuration and allowing the degree of difficulty of medal passage to be adjusted properly and conveniently according to the situation of a game, and a medal game device using the chucker with slits, are provided. The medal game device according to the present invention is provided with a medal inserting portion into which a medal is inserted, and a winning prize port formed to be able to receive the inserted medal, and is configured so as to give a prescribed privilege to a player at least on the condition that the medal has entered the winning prize port.

Abstract: A method for playing a game of chance and system for facilitating the play of the game are disclosed. The method of playing the game of chance includes making a purchase transaction having an associated transaction price. The method of playing the game of chance further includes receiving a lottery number. The method of playing a lottery game further includes receiving a prize if a predetermined function of the lottery number and the transaction price satisfies a predetermined matching condition.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a new generation of captivating multiplayer casino slot machine games with naught or little changes to the applicable regulatory game standards. In one embodiment thereof, the present invention is a 2-player/1-game casino slot machine wherein (a) a two-seater slot machine allows two players to share in primary game play by providing two seats, two sets of betting controls, and two sets of onscreen meters to track each player's performance, wins and losses, and wherein (b) back end control logic within each two-seater slot machine consolidates all game performance meters in such a way that the slot machine mimics a traditional single seat slot machine (i.e. 1-player/1-game) from accounting and regulatory points of view, thus requiring no changes to the accounting procedures and to the central casino management system.

Abstract: A gaming device having a multiple selection and award distribution bonus scheme. A selection is chosen from a group of selections. The game determines awards for distribution to the selection. Once determined, the awards are distributed to the selection and a player is provided with the awards. The game preferably utilizes a number of award pools in order to determine the award distribution. This award pool determination is based on, for example, a number of probability tables associated with the award pools.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment a game includes a rotating wheel and illumination effects, both under microprocessor control. In another exemplary embodiment, a wheel indicator with illumination effects includes a wheel, a motor for rotating the wheel, a plurality of lamps, and a microprocessor providing commands capable of causing the motor to rotate the wheel and the lamps to illuminate the display. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling a wheel and illumination display includes providing a motorized wheel, providing a plurality of lamps, and providing a microprocessor and program instructions stored in ROM coupled to said microprocessor for controlling a rotational position of said wheel and for generating light effects from said lamps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a board game. The board game includes a spinning device and an inner and outer ring of characters. The characters include at least one of a plurality of numbers or a plurality of letters located in one or more rings. Each player activates the spinning device. After the spinning device has stopped a master scorecard and the scorecard associated with the player who performed the activation of the spinning device are marked to identify what letter or number the spinning device is pointing to. The players rotate spinning of the spinning device until the master scorecard indicates that the game is over.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for compensating for a player choice in a game of chance. A plurality of outcomes is defined. A sequence of positions corresponding to the plurality of outcomes is provided, including a reference position. A plurality of pointers is situated at positions in the sequence. Each pointer has an offset value with respect to the reference position along the sequence of positions. Responsive to selection of one of the pointers, the reference position is moved according to the offset value associated with the selected one pointer, so that the selected one pointer points at the reference position. A number is received. The received number determines one of the plurality of outcomes according to a predefined probability associated with the reference position. The determined one outcome is output at the reference position.

Abstract: In the gaming machine according to the present invention, when symbols are displayed within display regions of a display means, a determination means determines, from a combination of symbols displayed, establishment/non-establishment of the shift condition. More specifically, the determination means determines that the shift condition is established when a predetermined number or more first symbols are displayed within the at least one display regions. Further, a condition control means for controlling, when the first symbols displayed within the at least one display regions are less than the predetermined number and when a second symbols are displayed within the display regions, to establish the shift condition by the first symbols and the second symbols. Accordingly, even when the first symbols displayed within the display regions are less than predetermined number, the player can look forward to the shift to the bonus game and therefore feel interest more than in a conventional gaming machine.

Abstract: A game unit including an indicator wheel and an award dispenser. In certain embodiments, when players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award such as a ticket or token. Preferably, a game unit may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel which displays a result of a game event or status.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of playing a gaming device by a user. The method includes inserting a voucher having a voucher value into the gaming device and accessing a database having voucher data associated with the voucher. The voucher value is verified. The user is queried for a credit value of a base wagering denomination. Calculations of full game credits and partial game credits are performed based upon the voucher value and the credit value. The full game credits, the partial game credits, and the voucher value are displayed on a game display. The method allows partial or all credits to be played at any time. The method provides for recording of game events to a database. The method also allows for the user to change the base wagering denomination during game play.

Abstract: The present invention includes a variety of methods for wagering upon one or more positions of a symbol matrix and issuing awards based upon the number of symbols in the symbol matrix matching each of the symbols displayed in the wagered upon symbol positions. In a preferred embodiment, players may wager upon any number of the available symbol positions and collect awards for matching each symbol appearing in a wagered upon symbol position with 2 or more other symbols in the symbol matrix.

Abstract: The present invention includes a variety of methods to issue awards based upon the order of appearance of symbols in the symbol matrix. An “In-A-Row” embodiment of the present invention displays symbols in random positions of the symbol matrix and issues awards for three or more same symbols appearing in sequential order. For example, the first symbol displayed is an “A,” the second symbol is a “B,” and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth symbols are “C”s. The sequential appearance of four “C” symbols results in an In-A-Row award.

Abstract: A chance-based water game for randomly spraying none, one or multiple individual players includes a housing with an inlet for a pressurized water source; a disc-shaped selector, and a trigger. The housing also comprises a series of tubes and nozzles for directing the pressurized water at the players. The trigger is connected to a valve for permitting a predetermined amount of pressurized water to pass through the device. When the trigger is activated, water travels from the pressure source, into the housing, past the trigger valve, and into a manifold where the single stream of water is channeled through a valve and gasket to none, one or multiple individual circuits corresponding to none, one or multiple nozzles. The selector determines the circuits, if any, through which the water passes.

Abstract: A wagering game including a wheel and multiple section indicators. The wheel includes a plurality of sections having awards associated with each of the sections. The section indicators associated with the wheel simultaneously indicate sections on the wheel. The awards associated with the sections indicated by the activated section indicators are summed and provided to a player. The number of activated section indicators is predetermined, randomly determined, determined by the player's wager in the primary or base game, determined in a primary game or determined by a sub-game or a set.

Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme, wherein the player may choose when to play a bonus scheme, so long as the player is qualified to do so. The method of qualifying the player to enter the bonus round connects or links the base game operation of the gaming device with the bonus scheme. The reels of the base game contain symbols which alone or in combination with other symbols yield one or more bonus awards to a player. The bonus awards are escrowed and displayed a bonus award escrow display. Once the player obtains a single bonus award, the player becomes eligible or qualified to play the bonus round and the player may choose to do so at any time. The player can accumulate bonus awards and use multiple bonus awards at one time.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs and such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a secondary game, wherein if the secondary game is triggered, a player is provided either a fixed award or one of the progressive awards associated with the secondary game based on a play of the secondary game.

Abstract: A system for monitoring game play is disclosed. The system includes at least one gaming device adapted to present a game to a player and generate game play data. A communication link is provided between the gaming device and a host over which game play data, including player information, is transmitted. The host is adapted to store, manipulate, display and otherwise use the data. In one embodiment, the host is arranged to generate an interface for display by a display device. Game play information is displayed with the interface. In one embodiment, game play information regarding one or more gaming machines is displayed real-time by the interface. Filters may be used upon and reports generated using the game play information. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more portable, hand-held devices for displaying the interface and information.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for processing lottery entries. One embodiment provides for receiving a request to purchase a lottery entry, receiving with the request an indicator that the lottery entry is to be entered into at least one lottery drawing until a lottery drawing identifies the lottery entry as a winner, and storing the lottery entry.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for downloading audio or video to a browser is disclosed. The system includes a media server, a content database and a web page. The content database includes the content object, and the content database is linked to the media server. The web page presented to the browser and includes a link to the content object. The link avoids activating an autoplay feature of the browsers should the link be activated.

Abstract: A gaming machine has display means and a game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means An underlying game is played in which one or more random events are caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. On the occurrence of a predefined event, the player is offered a choice of two or more different prize sets. Each set containing a plurality of prize outcomes, from which prize sets a prize is to be drawn and awarded to the player, typically by a random process. The prize is drawn from the prize set or sets selected by the player from the two or more different prize sets. The sets of prizes may be presented on segments of wheels that can spin or simulate spinning before stopping randomly on a segment which defines the prize outcome won by the player.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus server connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus server receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus server may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a prize wheel game.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods relating to online gaming utilizing virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments. According to one aspect of the invention, physical playing instruments are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical playing instruments are traditional poker-style gaming playing cards. The playing instruments include at least one identifier that may be read upon being dealt, such as identified and stored on a computer-readable medium before a game. In one such embodiment, computer-executable instructions may utilize the information on the computer-readable medium in conjunction with one or more games. Further aspects relate to validating the playing instruments and/or systems before, during, and/or after conducting one or more games with the playing instruments.

Abstract: A centralized gaming system comprises a central server system and a plurality of display terminals remote from and linked to the central server system. The central server system includes a master game server, a game execution server, and a database server. The master game server stores a plurality of games of chance. Each game includes respective game play software and respective audiovisual software. In response to one of the games being selected for play at one of the display terminals, the game play software for the selected game is loaded from the master game server into the game execution server and is executed by the game execution server to randomly select an outcome. The audiovisual software for the selected game is selectively executed at the display terminal to visually represent the outcome on a display of the display terminal. The database server collects game activity data based on the outcome and maintains such data for report generation and player tracking purposes.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to fully automated systems and methods for shuffling and scrambling playing instruments, such as cards, before being dealt to one or more players. In one embodiment, a rotating device is utilized to scramble playing instruments. In yet a further embodiment, the rotating device is coupled with air, vacuum, or combinations thereof to further scramble the cards. The scrambling device may be coupled to an aligning device for realigning the playing instruments upon being adequately shuffled. According to another aspect of the invention, physical cards are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical cards are traditional poker-style gaming cards. The cards include at least one identifier that may be read upon the card being dealt. The identifier may contain information that is remotely communicated to a player.

Abstract: A game unit including an indicator wheel and an award dispenser. In certain embodiments, when players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award such as a ticket or token. Preferably, a game unit may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel which displays a result of a game event or status.

Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually fill a number of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.

Abstract: A promotional device and methods for using such a device are described. The promotional device can be used to effect operation of a specific gaming application on a gaming machine. The promotional device has associated with it both indicia of credit and a specific player. Operation of the specific gaming application is limited to the credit and the specific player associated with the promotional device.

Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.

Abstract: A gaming terminal having a wagering game. The wagering game includes a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. In response to the randomly selected outcome being a win-deferral outcome, the wagering game provides a player with a selection of immediately obtaining a first award or obtaining a second award under a specified condition.

Abstract: An electronic video slot machine enables wild symbols to expand into adjacent symbols positions—vertically, horizontally, and/or diagonally—in the symbol matrix (“Directional Wilds”). In one embodiment, the Directional Wild concept uses wild symbols that expand in a pre-determined vertical direction—upwards or downwards. The upwards wild symbol (“Up Wild”) converts all of the symbol positions above the Up Wild into wild symbols. The downwards wild symbol (“Down Wild”) converts all of the symbol positions below the Down Wild into wild symbols. The original position of the Up or Down Wild symbol is also optionally wild. Various alternative embodiments may optionally be used.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes of a wagering game. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., the player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of predetermined outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). The player is also offered to determine a result associated with at least one local game play, wherein the offer requires use of an electronic game device located in a legalized gambling jurisdiction to determine the local game play result.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate transactions. An indication associated with an item is received from a player, and a game event outcome associated with the player is determined. For example, a player may indicate that he or she is interested in receiving a free soft drink at a fast food restaurant, and a payout amount associated with the player's instant lottery ticket may be determined. It is then arranged for the player to receive the item based on information associated with the item and the game event outcome.

Abstract: A fully automatic table game player tracking system for Blackjack and other casino games wherein players have individual betting positions on the table is disclosed. An individual B&W CCD chip reading turret is placed inches in front of each player's betting position to scan wagered chips using ambient casino lighting. The turret also has a “comp” light to indicate to the player at the beginning of every hand that his bet was read credited for his complimentaries (meals, room, entertainment, etc.), thus delivering to the player extra gaming satisfaction every hand. Patterns of repeated coding around the playing chips' peripheral surface represent with light and dark contrasting colors the dollar value and particular casino issuer of the chips.

Abstract: A game machine operable to execute a game program is communicatively connected to a center server. In the center server, a first transmitter transmits, to the game machine, first data indicating a settled play amount out of a played amount which is represented by either an accumulated number or time period that the game program has been executed. In the game machine, a first storage is operable to store the first data, a second storage is operable to store second data indicating the played amount, and a third storage is operable to store third data indicating an allowable unsettled play amount which represents either an allowable number or time period of which the game program is executed without settlement.

Abstract: A card game and method of playing the card game is disclosed. The card game is premised on the game of Texas Hold'em and pits a player against one or more virtual players. Initially, the player places a blind wager and then the player and multiple virtual players are provided two hole cards. The player's two hole cards are provided face-up and each virtual player receives the hole cards face down. In one version, at least one virtual hand is eliminated from play during the game. Elimination criteria can be based on a ranking of the virtual player's hand or other suitable criteria. At the end of the game the player's hand is compared to each remaining virtual player's hand. If the player's hand outranks each virtual player's hand, the player wins a payout. A hand swap or exchange, “All In” wager and a side wager are other features of the game.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for authentication. In one embodiment, a first identifier associated with an item to be authenticated may be received. A first decryption key associated with the item may also be received. The first identifier may be decrypted using the first decryption key to generate a second identifier. The contents of an authentication database may be searched to find a match for the second identifier. If a match for the second identifier is found in the authentication database, the item may be confirmed as authentic. In embodiments of the present invention, the item may be a lottery ticket, a document, a receipt, a ticket, a credit card, etc.

Abstract: A tactile scratch media apparatus and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a scratch media having a tactile data pattern to provide information to a user and a scratch region on the scratch media having a plurality of layers that conceal the tactile data pattern. The tactile data pattern may include a raised tactile data and/or an indented tactile data. The raised tactile data and the indented tactile data may be a braille character, an alphanumerical character and/or a tangible data. The surface edge of the raised tactile data and/or the indented tactile data of the tactile data pattern may be curved. The tactile data pattern may be arranged according to an overlapping pattern arrangement and/or a non-overlapping pattern arrangement. The arrangement of the overlapping pattern arrangement and the non-overlapping pattern arrangement may be based on a combination of a print data and the raised tactile data and/or the indented tactile data.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for sweepstakes awards in a gaming environment. Certain embodiments provide a method including accumulating sweepstakes entries for a player based on at least one sweepstakes entry criterion and randomly selecting a winner from the pool of sweepstakes entries. The sweepstakes entries are associated with the player and incorporated in a pool of sweepstakes entries. In certain embodiments, the at least one sweepstakes entry criterion comprises at least one of one entry per player, accumulating points based on play, accumulating points based on machine outcome, and coin in. In certain embodiments, the method further includes determining eligibility of a player for the sweepstakes. In certain embodiments, eligibility is determined based on at least one of a player group, a machine group, a machine denomination, a machine type, a machine manufacturer, a game manufacturer, a game theme and a game title, for example.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a history display and a controller. The history display tracks a plurality of past outcomes of a wagering game. The controller awards a bonus if a current outcome of the wagering game has a predetermined association with at least one of the displayed plurality of past outcomes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for facilitating the extension of a time-based element in a game of chance. In some embodiments, the time-based element may be extended as a result of a random event, such as the outcome of a random number generator. In other embodiments, the time-based element may be extended as a result of a player's purchase of the time extension.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine having a shuffle feature and a simultaneous multiple award feature. The method for conducting the shuffle feature includes displaying a plurality of value-based symbols in a random array where each of the plurality of value-based symbols displays a number indicating a value, increasing the displayed number of one of the plurality of value-based symbols in response to a player selection, rearranging the plurality of value-based symbols in view of the random array such that the rearranged plurality defines an award and awarding the award to the player. The method for conducting the simultaneous multiple award feature includes displaying an assemblage of selectable tiles that conceal an associated plurality of icons, receiving successive player selections of the tiles, selectively revealing a first group and a second group of related game-theme icons, selectively revealing a wild icon and simultaneously awarding a first and a second award.