Abstract: A multi-sided playing die capable of indicating at least one of a plurality of symbols on sides of the die comprises an energy storage device within the die and a trigger for discharging energy from the energy storage device to cause rotation of the die out of a position in which said at least one symbol is indicated. The die may include a casing formed from parts arranged to rotate relative to each other to cause rotation of the die.

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: 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: An automatic dice shaking system includes multiple dice seat holders each having two locating grooves, multiple dice seats selectively attachable to the dice seat holders, each dice seat having an inner thread and locating rods attachable to the locating grooves of one dice seat holder to prohibit rotation of the respective dice seat relative to the respective dice seat holder, a dice cup connectable to one dice seat by threading an outer thread thereof into the inner thread of one dice seat and movable with the connected dice seat away from the dice seat holders to shake the respective set of dice, and a mechanical arm controllable to move the dice cup horizontally and vertically and to rotate the device cup.

Abstract: A gaming device having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, a prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a prize object display located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, and a controller configured to select a prize object from the prize object holder and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in the prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object display includes a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display. In addition, a method for playing a game by providing the prize object display inside of the display object container of the aforementioned gaming device is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for varying the symbols used on a mechanical reel strip are disclosed. A reel strip comprises a plurality of symbols, each of the symbols associated with a symbol group. Each of the symbol groups is associated with a symbol group designation position on the reel strip. By varying the designation position on the reel strip, the symbols used with each reel strip can be modified. When multiple mechanical reels are used in a gaming machine, the symbol designating position for each reel strip can be the same as any other reel strip or can vary from any of the other reel strips. As such, an endless number of games and game variations may be created and deployed.

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: The invention provides for the use of a random number generator in a roulette wheel to play a game of roulette. The gaming apparatus may have a random number generator, a roulette wheel, and means for controlling the roulette wheel to indicate a first winning number corresponding to a first random number generated by the random number generator. The roulette wheel may have a top ring, outer ring, separator ring, and an inner ring and each ring may be decoupled from each outer to spin in different directions.

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 automatic dice shaking apparatus that uses a mechanical arm to substitute for labor in performing dice cup and dice seat joining, dice shaking and dice cup opening actions automatically, improving game fairness and reducing the personnel cost.

Abstract: A automatic dice shaking method includes the step of a) positioning a dice seat of a dice box on a plane, b) joining a dice cup of the dice box to the dice seat, c) shaking the dice box in which a plurality of dice are contained, d) positioning the dice seat with which the dice cup is joined on the plane, and e) separating the dice cup from the dice seat. By means of controlling a computer-controlled mechanical arm to run dice shaking and dice cup separating actions automatically, the automatic dice shaking method improves game fairness and helps reduce the personnel cost.

Abstract: Gaming machines and systems having MRAM and MROM are disclosed. MROMs for storing boot programs and other Read Only code are formed by cutting write connections or not providing PCB socket leads to MRAM write pins, or by using memory hubs to prevent writing to MRAMs. A tale-tale board or other logging device monitoring activities at various components while primary machine power is down records to MRAM, which can be dual ported to the logging device and MGC. Various components can each have dedicated logging devices and MRAMs. One MRAM associated with the brain box replaces both DRAM and NVRAM of regular machine architectures, and is used for dual purposes of regular operational use and as safe storage to facilitate a state recovery. Prioritization of data during the storage process is rendered unnecessary. Another MRAM associated with the back plane board stores data associated with the exterior housing or terminal.

Abstract: A gaming system having a centralized controller coupled to an array of game apparatus; a display device, including a plurality of prize object displays, for displaying a bonus event prize for at least one game apparatus in the array; and provision for holding prize objects in an individually controlled manner, is disclosed. In another embodiment, a gaming system including a plurality of game apparatus, each game apparatus having a plurality of prize objects where at least one prize object is a dynamic prize object, the latter being distinguishable from other prize objects; and a central controller in communication with the plurality of game apparatus, the central controller being configured to assign a prize value to a selected prize object if the selected prize object is a dynamic prize object and cause the prize value to be displayed to a player on the associated game apparatus, is disclosed.

Abstract: A Bingo game and method are set forth wherein a player inputs a wager and at least one Bingo card is generated. A first outcome set is selected and compared to the indicia on the Bingo card. If a predetermined winning pattern(s) is obtained, the player receives a first reward. A second outcome set is selected. If the player obtains a predetermined winning pattern(s) on the Bingo card from the combination of the first and second outcome sets, the player receives a second award. Optionally, the player may select the numbers for his Bingo card or may regenerate his Bingo card at the beginning of a game. In an optional embodiment, the player may place a second wager prior to selection of the second outcome set. In an optional Class II version of the game, the player competes with a plurality of live player or virtual Bingo cards.

Abstract: A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player.

Abstract: Methods and systems that enable cashless gaming dispense with the need to set up and operate a complex centrally controlled system or dispense with the need to distribute expensive smart cards. The patrons' gaming session meters (including, for example, a measure of winning and/or available credit) are distributed amongst an estate of peer networked gaming machines and are stored in redundant storage for fault tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming machine and a method of playing a wagering game having a basic set of rules for playing a wagering game. Under the basic set of rules, a player can accumulate and save assets that are associated with the wagering game. In addition to the basic set of rules, the wagering game includes modifiers to the basic set of rules that modify the assets, enhance the assets or provide new assets. These modifiers may, for example, multiply an award associated with an asset or group of assets, provide additional rolls of the dice, provide a bonus award, provide additional player selections, allow the player to continue game play after a game-terminating event has occurred, allow the player to use assets at a later gaming session, or allow a player to access new assets at a different gaming machine. The assets and modifiers can be shared by players at different gaming machines to influence the outcome of the wagering games and can be saved for use in subsequent gaming sessions.

Abstract: A gaming device including a game operable upon one or more wagers. The game is operable for a first play and a second play. Each one of the plays involves a spin of a rotor. The rotor has a plurality of symbols and a plurality of ball landings adjacent to the symbols. A first quantity of the ball landings is available for the first play, and a lower, second quantity of the ball landings is available for the second play. The gaming device also includes an indicator that is operable to indicate information relating to the availability of the second quantity of ball landings.

Abstract: A method for playing a game of chance and system for facilitating the play of the game are disclosed, in which an initial ticket containing initial game play information is received, a second ticket containing additional game play information is received, and the combination of the initial game play information and the additional game play information determines if the second ticket is a winning ticket.

Abstract: A gaming system having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, at least one prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a plurality of prize object displays located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, a plurality of game apparatus associated with the prize object displays, and a controller configured to select a prize object and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in at least one prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object displays include a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing techniques for securing a gaming machine for a player of the gaming machine using a mobile device such as a cell phone associated with the player. A player input requests securing of the gaming machine. Responsive to the player input, an access code and a security code are retrieved. The access code defines an access point of a communication system. The security code is specific to a game play session for the player at the gaming machine. The retrieved access code and security code are provided for the player. When the mobile device accesses the communications system and submits the security code, a secure signal is sent to the gaming machine, instructing the gaming machine to enter a remote game play state. The gaming machine can be released from the remote game play state responsive to a releasing event.

Abstract: A method of playing a basic wagering game comprises conducting the basic wagering game at a gaming terminal in response to receiving a wager input. The method includes apportioning the wager input among a plurality of winning outcomes for the basic wagering game, such that the apportioning increases a payout amount associated with each of the winning outcomes. The method includes awarding the payout amount associated with one of the plurality of winning outcomes in response to a randomly selected outcome in the basic wagering game being that one of the plurality of winning outcomes. The method is implemented in a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming terminals and a controller. The controller is coupled to each of the gaming terminals and receives wager-input signals from the gaming terminals. In response to receiving the wager-input signal, the controller allocates a portion of the wager input among the winning outcomes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of playing a variation of Roulette, permit a player to place a bet on the outcome of a spin of the Roulette wheel in combination with the outcome of one or more other random events.

Abstract: A gaming machine shock prevention device having a door hingedly coupled to a cabinet of the gaming machine, a gaming machine display positioned between the cabinet and the door, the gaming machine display hingedly coupled to the cabinet, and at least one spring, a first end of the spring coupled to the gaming machine display and a second end of the spring coupled to a cabinet interior, wherein the gaming machine display and door are moveable between a first position which defines the cabinet interior and a second position which exposes the cabinet interior, wherein compression of the at least one spring reduces shock to the gaming machine display when moved to the first position, and wherein opening the door to the second position releases the at least one spring to move the gaming machine display to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming console 40 having display means 41, and game control means 100 arranged to control images displayed on the display means 41. The game control means 100 are arranged to play a game wherein a plurality of symbols 43 are randomly selected and displayed on the display means 41 and, if a winning combination results, the console 40 pays a prize. The console 40 is characterised in that the displayed images include a first image component 31 which displays basic game features and a second image component 50 which displays image features which appear superimposed on the first image component 31. The second image component 50 is transparent, whereby the first image component 31 is visible through the second image component 50 under the control of the control means 100.

Abstract: A reel assembly of the invention includes a first elastic member capable of axial and circumferential deformation at the joint between a motor shaft and a reel. A motor exerts torque on the reel through circumferential deformation of the first elastic member, which absorbs circumferential vibrations of the reel at a stop position. A fastening member coupled to the shaft includes a second elastic member capable of axial deformation. The fastening member presses the second elastic member against the reel in the axial direction to secure the reel on the shaft and compress the first elastic member. The second elastic member absorbs axial vibrations of the reel at a stop position. When the first elastic member is made of elastomer, its circumferential elasticity varies with axial compressions, and accordingly, the circumferential elasticity is easy to optimize in order to absorb the circumferential vibrations of a reel of whatever size and weight.

Abstract: A mechanism for treat choosing game sets includes a choosing device including at least one treat received in a box and the at least one treat is connected to a plate made by magnetic material. A rotation disk connected with the plate via a magnetic member located therebetween. A rotation device includes a motor and a transmission device which is driven by the motor. The transmission device includes a shaft and a belt wheel driven by the motor, a belt connected between the belt wheel and the shaft. The magnetic member is connected to the shaft and magnetically connected to the plate. When the box in which the at least one treat is received is stopped by the player, the transmission device drives the rotation disk as usual while the magnetic member is rotated relative to the plate.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a reel spinning display and a secondary display. The reel spinning display includes a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. The reel spinning display successively stops rotation of the reels to display the symbols on each reel in visual association with a display area. As each reel is stopped, the secondary display depicts a respective game outcome such as a bonus amount awarded to a player.

Abstract: A slot machine comprises a housing, a plurality of physical symbol-bearing reels mounted in the housing, and a display arrangement positioned in front of the reels and interchangeable in the same housing between at least two of the following: (i) a display panel without an interior cavity, (ii) a light-guiding panel having an illuminated interior, and (iii) a transmissive video display.

Abstract: A method of providing a game for a gaming device is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of average values. Average values in the plurality of average values represent different values of a prize pool. A wager amount and an input to initiate game play are received. An average value is selected from the plurality of average values and a random award is determined from the prize pool. The random award is determined from the average value selected from the plurality of average values.

Abstract: A dual wheel roulette game apparatus and method of use is disclosed. An apparatus for facilitating a roulette game includes two distinct, independent roulette wheels. Numbered compartments on each wheel designate conventional roulette numbers (e.g., 1-36) such that a number has two chances to occur. Additional compartments are added to each wheel to increase the number of wagering opportunities. One wheel may have more compartments than the other such that a jackpot wager and payout may be based on outcomes associated with lower probability outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming device is disclosed that includes a housing and a display device associated with the housing. The display device displays several indicia. A positioning mechanism is configured to move the display device. Several indicators are associated with the display device. A controller is in communication with the positioning mechanism and the indicators. The controller determines a game outcome and directs movement of the display device. The controller can illuminate at least one of the indicators in order to display the game outcome.

Abstract: A gaming device having selectable awards on a moving mechanical display, such as a symbol display mechanism or an award display mechanism. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes an electromechanical secondary display device that is operable to rotate about an axis. The electromechanical secondary display device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of individual symbol display members. Each individual symbol display member is adapted to display at least one symbol or award. In operation, after determining the symbol, award or outcome displayed by each of the individual symbol display members, the electromechanical secondary display device rotates about an axis to indicate one of the individual symbol display members. The symbol or award displayed on the indicated symbol display member is provided to the player and the game ends.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a secondary or bonus game comprising a mirrored disco ball. Static bonus numerals and alphanumeric LCD or LED displays in combination with the mirrors provide an exciting method of displaying a secondary game award. In response to a preestablished primary game outcome, the player may be given the opportunity to select one or more pointers adjacent the disco ball. The pointers identify which static bonus numerals and alphanumeric LCD or LED displays may be illuminated to ascertain the amount of the secondary game award. The LCD or LED displays are used to display numerals, symbols or other indicia relevant to ascertaining the amount of the secondary award. The disco ball also rotates and emits rays of light in a manner associated with a conventional disco ball and conducive to casino environment. In another version, the disco ball is comprised of an outer spherical chamber and inner spherical chamber. It is further disclosed that the outer chamber may be three independent sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that can be used by a casino to maintain a bonus round progressive jackpot that can be earned during a bonus round. When a player plays a slot machine and gains entry into a bonus round, the player then has the opportunity to win the bonus round progressive jackpot. The bonus round can involve player skill, and the lack of player skill can cause a contribution of a monetary amount to the bonus round progressive jackpot so that the player, or a successive player, has an opportunity to win the bonus round progressive jackpot.

Abstract: An improved number matching game is provided. The game includes a base matching game. A bonus game is played using randomly determined numbers from the base game that are compared to bonus numbers for a first bonus type and compared to bonus numbers for a second bonus type. An award may be provided depending on the outcome of the bonus comparisons. A display is provided to show the matches in a two dimensional or grid arrangement.

Abstract: A game player selection device for indicating a turn in a multiple player game is provided. The game player selection device includes a housing, a selector, a number of indicators, and a control circuit. The selector is disposed on the housing and is used to select one of the operating modes. The operating modes include sequential, random and random but fair. The indicators are dispersed on the housing. The control circuit is coupled to the selector and the plurality of indicators. The control circuit temporarily activates at least one of the indicators based on the selected operating mode. As such, the turn in the multiple player game is indicated.

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 spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or 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 standard underlying multi-outcome/multi-bet game is played, whereby a bonus mechanism can reward the player relative to their underlying game bets. Such a bonus may be triggered by a underlying game outcome (which may or may not be an outcome which a bet can be placed) or by an event independent of the underlying game. A bonus reward can be the playing of one or more plays of the underlying game, optionally with different play rules and/or pay schedules.

Abstract: The present invention displays increasing values of two or more wildcard symbols in the symbol matrix. A preferred embodiment called “Up, Up & Way Wilds” displays increasing multiplier values for two or more wildcard symbols used in winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: During a slot machine game, game effects are also displayed on a liquid crystal panel 39d provided in a reel display window unit 39, and thus the liquid crystal panel 39d serves as a new machine component for performing game effects. Therefore, new effects for the game can be performed on the liquid crystal panel 39d, which facilitates maintaining the novelty of game effects. Furthermore, since the reel glass base 39b is black-colored, any light incident on the reel glass base 39b is not easy to be reflected on the liquid crystal panel 39d. Consequently no light incident on the reel glass base 39b is mirrored into the liquid crystal panel 39d.

Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying multiple visual images from a single source at a gaming machine are disclosed. A reversible display device at the gaming machine presents multiple visual images from an LCD cell or other core display component. Virtual curtains alternate between blocking and permitting the display of visual images at various surfaces of the reversible display device. For an LCD cell or similar component needing a separate illumination source, illumination components alternate on and off in coordinated fashion with the virtual curtains, and are arranged to reflect light through the LCD cell in one direction to display one visual image at one surface and then in an opposite direction to display another visual image at the opposite surface. Lenses, mirrors and other optical devices redirect or alter a visual image from a surface such that it is not viewed directly from the display device itself.

Abstract: In a gaming method, data indicative of a final outcome may be received, and an initial set of symbols indicative of the final outcome may be displayed if the data indicative of the final outcome indicates a winning outcome, the initial set of symbols including an initial winning subset of symbols and an initial non-winning subset of symbols. Player input data indicative of a subset of symbols in the initial set to be discarded may be received, and replacement symbols may be determined such that a final set of symbols is indicative of the final outcome if the subset of symbols to be discarded includes at least one symbol from the initial winning subset, wherein the final set of symbols includes the replacement symbols in place of the subset of symbols to be discarded. The final set of symbols may be displayed, and an award corresponding to the winning outcome may be provided.

Abstract: A rotary-table game machine composed mainly of a rotary-table device and an index device, the rotary-table device has a rotary table rotated by a first motor; the index device has three index pins arranged to space equiangularly and rotated by a second motor. When in operation, the first motor and the second motor make the rotary table rotate reversely against the index pins; and when in stopping rotation, the three index pins point three different division areas at the periphery of the rotary table. By providing a main control board and a sensing plate in the rotary table, a result is show on a display. Thereby the rotary-table game machine can provide variant ways of playing, the odds of winning are increased; and fun of playing can be increased too.

Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g., the ‘GO’ square); (6) a feature in which bonuses are awarded for completing groups of stations (e.g.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to gaming machines having movable top boxes. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a main cabinet having a first display for presenting a game and an extendable top box coupled to the top of the main cabinet. In one embodiment, the top box includes a front surface and an opposite back surface. The top box abuts the top of the main cabinet in a first position, and the top box is in a vertical position away from the top of the main cabinet in a second position.

Abstract: A method of playing a poker-type keno game that has a plurality of two-card, revealed, starter hands and five unrevealed community cards. A player wagers on one or more starter hands, after which the community cards are revealed. Each starter hand is combined with all of the community cards to form complete hands. The player is paid a payout amount if the highest ranked complete hand that has been wagered on is found in a pay table that corresponds to the hand. Optionally, the hands and payout amounts in the pay table are based on the odds of achieving ranked hands. Optionally, there are multiple sets of community cards.

Abstract: A method for playing a gaming device where selected bets enable various bonuses. In the preferred embodiment 5 different bonuses are offered depending on credit per line bets, and said bonuses may occur in combination.

Abstract: A gaming device having a container with at least one moveable object located within, one or more game elements capable of receiving and isolating the moveable objects, an actuator configured to attract the moveable objects to receptacle game elements, a game apparatus enabling a player to play the game, and a controller configured to determine a random game outcome and subsequently cause the actuator to move the objects to a game element to display the result of the game, is disclosed. Preferably, the actuator may be a magnet or a suction device, such as a fan, vacuum pump or vent. Display devices which include a container, moveable objects located within, one or more game elements, a suitable actuator to attract the moveable objects into or onto the receptacle game elements, and a controller associated with the actuator, are also disclosed. Further, a method of playing a game involving placing a wager using the game device described above is disclosed.