Electric Or Magnetic Patents (Class 273/138.2)
  • Patent number: 7393278
    Abstract: A method, device, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a slot machine game which allows a player to purchase a respin of a reel selected by the player. A cost of the respin is computed and presented to the player. The player can decide to pay the cost and get the respin or decline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: ID Interactive, LLC
    Inventors: Ignacio Gerson, Barbara Esses, Diego Yanivello
  • Patent number: 7390261
    Abstract: A mechanical display and a mechanical indicator for gaming devices includes various embodiments, each of which have a number of elements in common. First, the embodiments each include a rotating set of symbols or indicia. Second, each of the embodiments includes an oscillating indicator, such as an arrow. The symbols rotate, appear and disappear from the player's view. In this manner, the player sees each of the symbols and hopes that the gaming device awards the symbol having the highest or best value. The one or more indicators move in a sequence to point out or indicate one of the symbols or one of the groups of symbols. The indicators provide a second random, visual element to the outcome, wherein the player's attention must account for both the changing symbols and the moving indicators. The symbol eventually indicated produces, at least in part, a game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Dennis Nordman
  • Patent number: 7387569
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for facilitating play of a lottery game. An indication of a lottery entry is received, the lottery entry being active in at least a first lottery drawing. An indication is received that the lottery entry is to be active in at least one second lottery drawing if the lottery entry fails to qualify for a prize in the first lottery drawing. A result of the first lottery drawing is determined with respect to the lottery entry, and the lottery entry is activated in each second lottery drawing, in turn, until the lottery entry is a winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 7387570
    Abstract: A coin-operated player-operable entertainment machine has a main display device comprising a matrix of symbol selections with which a main game can be played involving selection and display of symbols. An award is made in correspondence with display of at least one predetermined winning combination of symbols at least one predetermined combination of positions within the matrix. These predetermined combinations of positions may be lines of positions running either vertically, horizontally or diagonally extending fully or partially across the matrix or scattered about the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: IGT-UK Limited
    Inventor: Dov Liam Randall
  • Patent number: 7384332
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for receiving from a terminal a request of a customer to purchase a lottery entry for a first lottery drawing. If the lottery entry is not a winning entry in the first lottery drawing the lottery entry is eligible automatically for a second lottery drawing subsequent to the first lottery drawing. The second lottery drawing is associated with at least one lottery entry that was not entered in the first lottery drawing. If the lottery entry is not a winning entry in the second lottery drawing the lottery entry is eligible automatically for subsequent lottery drawings until the lottery entry is a winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 7384333
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for operating a lottery. One example provides for receiving a result of a lottery drawing and comparing the result to a plurality of stored lottery entries. If the result corresponds to one of said plurality of stored lottery entries, the entry is identified as a winning lottery entry. A non-winning lottery entry is identified from the plurality of stored lottery entries, and automatically entered in a subsequent lottery drawing, in which at least one lottery entry eligible to win the subsequent lottery drawing was not eligible to win the first lottery drawing. If the non-winning lottery entry is not a winning entry in the subsequent lottery drawing, the non-winning lottery entry is entered into further subsequent lottery drawings until the non-winning lottery entry is identified as a winning entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 7381136
    Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game by a game player. The gaming device allows the game player to place a telephone call. A controller generates a prize. Several images of persons who may receive the telephone call are displayed to the game player. The telephone call is placed to one of the images. The prize is announced by the selected image to the game player. A second telephone call is placed to a telephone number in order to select a multiplier. The controller generates the multiplier. The multiplier is the last digit of the telephone number. The prize is multiplied by the multiplier to obtain a total prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7374172
    Abstract: Gaming devices and methods of playing games wherein an indication of the cards which have already been discarded or dealt is displayed for a player to view prior to making a decision. One embodiment is directed to a gaming device comprising a video display which is designed for the play of Blackjack. Other embodiments are directed to table versions of the present invention wherein physical playing cards are actually dealt to one or more players. At the conclusion of each hand, an indication of the cards dealt is displayed for viewing by all of the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Randy Miller
  • Patent number: 7371171
    Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed that increases the excitement and entertainment value over existing gaming terminals. The wagering game terminal includes a wagering game that has a set of primary symbols and one or more secondary symbols. During the wagering game, one of the secondary symbols is superimposed on one or more of the primary symbols. These primary symbols may then be given enhanced evaluation in the wagering game, depending on certain conditions being met in the wagering game, or some other predetermined event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon Englman, Dion K. Aoki
  • Patent number: 7364507
    Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device and preferably a bonus round game of a gaming device that enables a player to initiate a randomly generated number, wherein said number determines the number of positions that a position marker will move along an enclosed path. Each time the marker lands upon a previously unmarked position, the game provides an award associated with that position to the player. When the marker lands upon a previously marked position, the game ends. The present invention also contemplates updating or changing the values of unmarked or unselected positions along the enclosed path by preferably adding to each unmarked or unselected position the value of the award of a previously selected position. That is, when the game randomly selects an unmarked position, the game provides the player with an award, wherein the game preferably replaces a previously achieved award with the award of the newly selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Randall D. Mead, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 7360762
    Abstract: When dice are rolled inside the box, the images of the eyes on the lower face of the dice are captured. The CPU determines the eye number based upon the determination condition of at least one of the feature, the number, and the location state of the eyes in a predetermined area in the image-captured face according to the image information by the image-capturing section, as well as the programs stored in the ROM. The determined eye number is displayed on the display section through the display control section or the voice synthesized by the audio processing section is outputted from the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hudson Soft Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Itagaki, Satoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 7357715
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a variation of keno in which the game player pays to play through any number of methods, reveals whether the player has a winning number of matches by playing a solitaire game, and then receives the appropriate winnings if any. The solitaire game may be played, for example, over the Internet or other network using a computer system. The computer system may be, for instance, a cell phone, a personal computer, a set-top box, kiosk, or other computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Gamelogic, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 7341510
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of play in the practice of the present invention that are described below. An apparatus supporting the play of a casino table card game according to the present invention may comprise: A playing surface; A card-delivery device; A microprocessor operatively connected to the card-delivery device; Player controlled election identifiers that provide a visible signal of an election; At least two areas for display of at least partial card hands from which only one card hand may be elected for a wagering game by a player; The card-delivery device having at least one sensor thereon for sensing the presence of cards in a delivery area of the card-delivery device from which cards may be removed; The at least one sensor on the card-delivery device providing a signal to the microprocessor that a sensed set of cards has been removed from the delivery area; and in response to the signal, the microprocessor preventing players from entering a new election.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080054560
    Abstract: A game of chance involves use of a pair of dice or other randomizing device to obtain a first number set, wherein a first wager immediately wins when the first number set from the dice/device adds up to one of the numbers in a selected Numbers Group or Wagering Zone. A winning wager, or portion of the winning wager, may be parlayed to a second tier wager to determine whether the next roll of the dice/device will produce a second number set that is the same as the first number set. The Wagering Zones may be incorporated/combined with traditional casino game layouts, for example, Craps, slot-machine, Blackjack, or Roulette types of layout. In many board or table embodiments, wagers, based on speculation of what will be the first number set and subsequent number sets, are placed directly on the playing surface, with second tier wagering zones provided to prevent confusion with others' “fresh” wagers on the subsequent rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph R. Presley, Michael W. Faircloth
  • Patent number: 7335103
    Abstract: A gaming device having at least one tubular display container, a display object holder disposed to hold a plurality of movable display objects in an individually controlled manner, a display object actuator and a controller, is disclosed. Game-related indicia on the tubular display container convey the outcome of a game when the display object actuator is activated to propel a selected movable display object into the tubular display container where the object may activate a game outcome portion of the tubular display container or the object may be captured in a selected compartment of the tubular display container. Optionally, player input devices may be used to enhance player participation by enabling the player to select a movable display object or a specific tubular display container before the movable display object is propelled into the tubular display container or a plurality of tubular display containers. A method of playing a game using the above device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7331858
    Abstract: A gaming machine with an improved game display is disclosed. Polyhedral reel strips are used in a gaming machine to present game outcomes in configurations previously not practicable. In addition, the polyhedral reels provide a game display that is more easily readable than can be obtained from the traditional mechanical circular reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. McComb, Daniel P. Fiden, Michael P. Casey, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 7331867
    Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination bonus symbols trigger the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Ryan W. Cuddy
  • Patent number: 7328901
    Abstract: A method for playing a game played by at least one player having both numbered playing cards and a pair of dice. The method for the game includes randomizing at least six of the playing cards, wherein each card contains a single digit from one to six. The playing cards are then inserted into a series of boxes or slots on a table wherein the boxes or slots correspond to the digits one through six. One player is offered an opportunity to be a dealer and is provided with a pair of six-sided dice. The dice are rolled by the dealer and the outcome of the playing card or cards is determined and the total of the cards is determined by the outcome of the dice. Winners and losers are determined from the card or the cards. A series of additional steps may be employed thereafter in accordance with traditional casino craps gaming rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Quapaw Gaming Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia Jean Bunn, Kirk Jeremy Myrick, JR Mathews, George D. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20080029957
    Abstract: A game piece for playing a promotional game and a method of playing a promotional game. The game piece includes a housing, a battery, a plurality of a signaling devices, a removable tab, and a timing circuit. The timing circuit is activated by removing the tab. The first signaling device is illuminated immediately. After a predetermined amount of time the remaining signaling devices are illuminated. Some game pieces are programmed to illuminate all signaling devices, while others are programmed to illuminate less than all of the signaling devices; however all game pieces are identical. The game is played by distributing game pieces to patrons of an establishment. The removable tab on each game piece is removed, beginning the timing circuit. After a predetermined amount of time, the final signaling device on “winning” game pieces will activate. The establishment will award prizes to patrons holding a winning game piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Richard J. Minten
  • Publication number: 20080029956
    Abstract: A game piece for playing a promotional game and a method of playing a promotional game. The game piece includes a housing, a battery, a signaling device, a removable tab, and a timing circuit. Once activated, the timing circuit is set to wait a predetermined amount of time before illuminating the signaling device. The game is played by distributing game pieces to patrons of an establishment. Some game pieces are functional while other game pieces are not functional; however all game pieces are identical. Patrons of the establishment remove the removable tab on the game piece to potentially start the timing circuit. After waiting the predetermined amount of time, the signaling device on the functional or “winning” game pieces will activate. The establishment will award prizes to patrons holding an activated game piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Richard J. Minten, Michael A. Rusk
  • Patent number: 7326112
    Abstract: A gaming device which includes a display having multiple rotating members and at least one rotating indicator. The members each include at least one symbol. The symbols represent various types of awards that the player can win. The members move or spin. At the same time or at a different time, the one or more indicator moves or spins. At varying times, each of the symbols of the members will be closer to the indicator than the other symbols, i.e., in an indicating position. At varying times, the moving indicator indicates, or points, to each of the members and thus one of the symbols of the members. Ultimately, the members and the indicators stop moving, and the indicator indicates one of the symbols from one of the members. An outcome such as an award is provided to the player that is based on the indicated symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Dennis Nordman
  • Patent number: 7316611
    Abstract: In a gambling game a collateral gambling game which can be won by players on at least one specific event occurring in the principal game, the collateral game being separate from the principal game but one when any of the possible winning events occur in the principal game, the payment to the player divided by the total number of players who bet on the specific winning event. The game gives a possibility for a large number of players to share in the success of a single player who has successfully won the main game. It may be used with various types of games including those using electronic gaming machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Russell Byrne
  • Patent number: 7316610
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device including a game apparatus adapted to allow a player to play a game. The gaming device may include a prize holder adapted to releasably hold a prize object in a controllable manner. The gaming device may also include a controller in communication with the game apparatus and adapted to cause the prize object holder to release the prize object. A display mechanism may be in communication with the controller and may be adapted to display the prize object to the player. The display mechanism may comprise at least one prize object receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin and Slot Service Company, Inc
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Publication number: 20070296145
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy C. Storm
  • Patent number: 7311305
    Abstract: A roulette device including: a roulette plate having a plurality of marks arranged thereon; a ball which rolls on the roulette plate; a plurality of ball receiving parts which are formed corresponding to the marks in a circumferential direction of the roulette plate to receive the ball; a bank passage which is provided on an outer periphery of the ball receiving parts of the roulette plate and on which the ball rolls along a circumferential orbit; a compressor which compresses air; and a first discharge hole which is provided in each ball receiving part and through which the air compressed by the compressor is discharged to the bank passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Aruze Corp.
    Inventors: Masaki Matsuno, Tetsuya Yokota, Yoshitomo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7311603
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 7300350
    Abstract: A gaming device is provided that may include a gaming device housing having a rotatable container coupled thereto. At least one moveable object is configured to move within the container. The moveable object comprises at least one moveable object symbol. A controller is provided that is in communication with at least one controller selectable object. The controller selectable object comprises at least one controller selectable object symbol that is substantially similar in appearance to the moveable object. The controller selectable object may be displayed to the player and provide an illusion to the player that the controller selectable object is the moveable object. A game display is also provided and may be in communication with the controller. The game display is configured to display a display symbol in at least one display position. A game outcome at least partially depends on the display position of the display symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7300349
    Abstract: A system and process for generating, distributing, and processing lottery tickets guaranteed to win a drawing-based prize. Tickets are appropriately priced, and are validated at point of sale by a central server in which the ticket information is stored. Subsequent to each lottery drawing, the winning lottery numbers are compared to the entries in a never-lose ticket database to determine if any of the entries match the winning number. Winning entries are appropriately identified and tagged as inactive, while entries that have not yet won a drawing-based prize remain active for future drawings. Ticket pricing methodology is provided for appropriately pricing never-lose tickets. A method and apparatus are further provided whereby a ticket holder may query the status of a never-lose ticket directly from the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 7281980
    Abstract: In order to provide a gaming machine which enables selective clear display of patterns of reels and performance images displayed on front side display means arranged in front of the reels as needed, a gaming machine comprises: variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of patterns; front side display means, which is arranged in front of said variable display means, and through which the patterns of the variable display means can be seen; internal prize-winning-combination determination means for determining an internal-win-combination; a plurality of operation means for stopping the variable display of said variable display means; stop control means for stopping and controlling a variable display operation of said variable display means based or the result of determination of said internal-win-combination determination means and an operation of said operation means; and game media disbursement means for disbursing game media when a stop mode of the variable display means stopped by said stop c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Aruze Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 7281979
    Abstract: The present invention includes an interactive keno game method that comprises receiving at least one player selected symbol from a player during a game session. The at least one player selected symbol is drawn from a set of game symbols. The method then proceeds to receive a condition from the player that identifies the player credits applied for each chargeable action. The condition describes the number of credits that are to be played during each chargeable action. Each chargeable action includes the picking of at least one game selected symbol from the set of game symbols. During a game session the chargeable actions are performed more than once. Additionally, if there is a match between the at least one game selected symbol and the at least one player selected symbol the game session is paused. Furthermore, a prize may be awarded to the player when the at least one player selected symbol matches the at least one game selected symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Luciano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7264241
    Abstract: A method of controlling the game of baccarat is disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a card delivery shoe equipped with a sensor capable of reading at least a rank of each card; a first processor capable of controlling operation of the card delivery shoe; and a second processor capable of receiving signals from the sensor and programmed to display information related to the game of baccarat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver M. Schubert, Joshua David Marz
  • Patent number: 7264247
    Abstract: An entertainment and refreshment assembly with various arcade games and vending machines including a large housing having an exterior configuration resembling a vehicle. The interior portion includes a plurality of separate receptacles which each receive any combination of the arcade games and/or a vending machines. The arcade games and vending machine may have side panels with a transparent portion. The housing also has at least one transparent panel on the exterior surface. A plurality of panels further define the interior, and at least one of the panels has an aperture. The configuration of the present invention permits a longitudinal and lateral line-of-sight to pass unimpaired completely through the assembly to increase the visibility of the prizes and refreshments to the spectators and players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Craig B. Singer
  • Patent number: 7258610
    Abstract: A gaming device having a container, at least one movable object situated within the container and a transport device configured to transport the movable object, is disclosed. The transport device further may include a transport component for receiving the movable object and the container may simulate a popcorn popper. A method of use, including a gaming method, and a method for moving one or more movable objects in a gaming device which includes providing a gaming device having a container with at least one movable object and a transport device configured to transport the movable object, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7258609
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical display and indication for gaming devices. The display includes a set of symbols or indicia. The displays also cooperate with a plurality of radially spaced apart translating indicators, such as arrows. The indicators translate radially and sequentially, each pointing at one point towards a respective, associated symbol. The player can see each symbol and thus is able to know which symbols are relatively better than others. The radially translating indicators provide a random, visual element to the outcome, wherein the player watches the indicators sequentially point to different symbols until the motion stops, leaving a single or multiple indicated symbol(s), which is(are) provided in some fashion to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dennis Nordman, Bradley A. Hemerick, Daniel J. Waller, Russell Chudd
  • Patent number: 7252288
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of a gaming device generally comprising a gaming apparatus configured to allow a player to place a wager and play a game and a bonus display configured to indicate a bonus prize to be awarded to the player. One embodiment of the gaming device comprises at least one game reel having a plurality of game symbols. At least one symbol on the game reel may indicate a game outcome. The gaming device also generally comprises at least one bonus reel having a plurality of bonus symbols which may include one or more of the following: bonus position symbol(s), bonus cycle symbol(s), bonus multiplication symbol(s), and bonus addition symbol(s). The bonus symbols(s) displayed by the bonus reel changes the bonus display in a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7237775
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes selecting at least one randomly-selected outcome from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager from a player. The randomly-selected outcome is displayed in the form of an array of symbols, and a special symbol is presented in a fixed location of the array of symbols. The special symbol is independent of the array of symbols and combinable with the symbols of the plurality of reels to indicate the randomly-selected outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Dion K. Aoki
  • Patent number: 7232127
    Abstract: A reel device for a gaming machine comprising a chassis configured to support the reel device and a reel structure attached to the chassis. The reel structure has a hub, a frame, and a spoke attached to the hub and the frame. The frame preferably defines the periphery of the reel structure. The periphery of the reel structure preferably has media adapted to display a symbol to a game player. The reel may further have a board attached to the chassis and a plurality of light-emitting diodes positioned on the board, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes is adapted to transmit light to at least a portion of the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7226358
    Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a gaming unit configured for play of a primary game and a bonus game. The bonus game portion of the gaming unit includes at least a outcome display element with an associated, cooperative outcome indicator element. The outcome display element may be rotatable about a substantially upright axis and comprise a sphere, a gem or other suitable element for displaying potential game outcomes for the bonus game, the game outcome being indicated by a portion of the outcome display element aligned with the outcome indicator element upon cessation of rotation of the former. Employing visually perceptible representations of rotation of the outcome display element rather than physical rotation thereof is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Charles R. Miller, Brian A. Johnson, James R. Stanek, Canyon Deville, Michael MacVittie, William R. Adams
  • Patent number: 7217187
    Abstract: During operation of a casino game, a hint feature is displayed with a displayed decision-making game round under control of a processor. A memory may store a plurality of decision-making game rounds. A hint contains response information for a player to increase the player's odds in winning the game round The displaying of the hint feature may occur at a random statistical frequency, based upon player hesitation, or a prevailing position in the game round. The hint is stored with each game round or is dynamically determined for the displayed game round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Progressive Gaming International Corporation
    Inventor: Olaf Vancura
  • Patent number: 7216867
    Abstract: The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripherals of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Lawrence W. Luciano, Kurt W. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7213811
    Abstract: A system and method of playing an extension game to a lottery game is disclosed. A lottery game player enters a base game and receives a base game entry, and may elect to play a second lottery game in addition to the base game, and if so, selects or has selected for them game indicia therefor. A winning entry for the base game is selected, whereupon the winning game indicia for the second game is selected to be the game indicia selected for the second game on the winning base game entry. Lottery players who won the base game receive a prize, and those lottery players who did not win the base game but that have the winning game indicia for the second game, as well as those lottery players that won the base game and have the have the winning game indicia for the second game, receive a prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Scientific Games Royalty Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Kyle Bozeman
  • Patent number: 7204755
    Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of prize balls, a ball holder adapted to hold the balls in an individually controlled manner, a controller adapted to select a prize ball, a display mechanism adapted to display the selected prize ball to the player; and a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism. The display device may be combined with a jumbled ball display wherein the balls displayed by the display device appear to originate from the jumbled ball display. The display device may also be combined with a game apparatus that is adapted to allow players to play a game. In this embodiment, the display device may provide a bonus award for the player. Several games are also provided that may be used with the display device. In an alternative embodiment, the jumbled ball display is replaced with a video display device that displays the balls in video form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7195560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Erica Frohm, William A. Grupp, Joel R. Jaffe, Scott Slomiany
  • Patent number: 7195559
    Abstract: A slot machine conducts a wagering game in which a plurality of arrays of symbols are successively displayed. Each array may, for example, result from a free spin of a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. In each free spin, the reels are rotated and stopped to place the symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. One or more of the symbols of each array are designated as wild. Payouts for the successive arrays are awarded according to a pay table. In one embodiment, the plurality of arrays are successively displayed during a bonus game triggered by a start-bonus outcome in a basic game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Gilmore, Wesley D. Stayte
  • Patent number: 7175526
    Abstract: The invention comprises a new method of the playing traditional and non-traditional dice games by displaying locations some or all of the potential outcomes of the rolls of two, six sided dice on a screen and allowing users to place on screen wagers. The user may then select from among the locations after making dice wagers utilizing statistical payout statistics associated with the dice game used. This may allow for play on a touch screen allowing all of the traditional play of dice utilizing a display scenario wherein locations are provided to show wagers or on a traditional craps table modified for screen format as well as locations from which single dice or paired dice selections can be made. In addition a table layout is provided for allowing multiple players to play based on single roll with sequential players sequentially picking the dice outcomes from the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Lakes Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Naif M. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7169045
    Abstract: A mechanical display and a mechanical indicator for gaming devices includes various embodiments, each of which have a number of elements in common. First, the embodiments each include a rotating set of symbols or indicia. Second, each of the embodiments includes an oscillating indicator, such as an arrow. The symbols rotate, appear and disappear from the player's view. In this manner, the player sees each of the symbols and hopes that the gaming device awards the symbol having the highest or best value. The one or more indicators move in a sequence to point out or indicate one of the symbols or one of the groups of symbols. The indicators provide a second random, visual element to the outcome, wherein the player's attention must account for both the changing symbols and the moving indicators. The symbol eventually indicated produces, at least in part, a game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Dennis Nordman
  • Patent number: 7165769
    Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting gaming activities are disclosed. In one method, wagers are placed on a game and cards are dispensed. An indicia of a play card is used to determine an outcome of the game. A feature bet is included, wherein if the indicia of the play card is a predetermined indicia, an indicia of the second card is identified. If a predetermined indicia on the second card is identified, a feature bet payoff is made to players that wagered on the feature bet. A method and system for a roulette game are also disclosed. A roulette wheel is used to determine which card of a deck of cards determines the outcome of the roulette game. A craps game system and method are further described. Dice are used to determine which card of a deck of cards determines the outcome of the craps game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: The Pala Band of Mission Indians
    Inventors: Michael P. Crenshaw, David F. Fendrick, Jerome H. Turk
  • Patent number: 7156738
    Abstract: An electronic gambling unit for allowing a user to play a main gambling game and a bonus round game, and for dispensing value to the user at the conclusion of the bonus round game, may generally include a display unit capable of generating color images or other display mechanism capable of displaying symbols associated with the main gambling game and the bonus round game. The electronic gambling unit may further include an input device that allows the user to make a plurality of input selections, a currency-accepting mechanism capable of allowing the user to deposit a medium of currency, a value-dispensing mechanism capable of dispensing value to the user, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit, the input device, the currency-accepting mechanism, and the value-dispensing mechanism. The controller may include a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Richard E. Rowe
  • Patent number: RE39659
    Abstract: The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripheral of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Lawrence W. Luciano, Kurt W. Spencer
  • Patent number: RE39817
    Abstract: A gaming device of the type wherein a play generates one of multiple possible outcomes having reverse payout information. The gaming device comprises a memory device containing a first set of data correlating possible outcomes to a first set of payouts and a second set of data correlating possible outcomes to a second set of payouts second set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to positive payouts and the first set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to other than positive payouts. The gaming device also includes a payout selector indicating which of the first set of data and the second set of data the gaming device is to access. In an alternate embodiment, the gaming device includes a memory having only the second set of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico