Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining a winner in a game of chance involving four game areas of numbers. The winner is established based upon having placed a wager on numbers which are selected to appear in game areas three (302) and four (303), in accordance with a selected criteria which operate on numbers which are caused to be present in first (314) and second (315) game areas as a result of chance.

Abstract: A gaming device which presents a plurality of indicators to the player. Each indicator may be a success indicator or a failure indicator based on a pre-determined probability. Upon or prior to the selection of the indicator, the processor in the gaming device determines, based on that probability, if the indicator is a success indicator or a failure indicator. When a player selects an indicator, the gaming device displays if the selected indicator is a failure indicator or a success indicator and a value associated with the success indicator. In one embodiment, the player selects indicators until the player selects all of the success indicators or the player selects a failure indicator. Accordingly, based on chance and the pre-determined probability, a game may include all success indicators and no failure indicators to increase player excitement and enjoyment.

Abstract: A lottery game card incorporates player direction in determining the outcome of the game and allows a player to reveal one or more elements on the card according to rules associated with the lottery game. According to one embodiment of the invention, all of the possible combinations of playable elements on the card may be known or knowable in advance to the player before the player begins to expose elements on the card and some or all of possible elements on the card that the player may expose may be known to the player before the player begins to expose elements on the card. The player's progression through a card is not predetermined such that the player has significant ability or flexibility to control or direct the play of the lottery game embodied by the card and to influence or direct the outcome of the lottery game embodied by the card.

Abstract: A method of promoting business includes the use of a customer interactive message decoding game. The method involves identifying a prize winning message, providing separately a static code in a promotional area, such as an in-store display, a newspaper or magazine insert or product packaging, and distributing a number of game pieces, at least one of which includes a complementary code for deciphering the message by combining it with the static code, without which the message could not be readily discerned.

Abstract: A poker style card game suitable for playing on a gaming machine. In the game an initial hand of cards is dealt and the player selects particular cards to be held in the hand. The game is characterised in that multiple new hands of held cards are then created wherein the held cards in each new hand are dependent on the held cards in the initial hand but are not identical to the held cards from the initial hand. Additional cards are then drawn to complete each of the hands, and prizes are paid for each hand according to a pay table.

Abstract: A spinner game and the method of playing the same for providing a fun-filled game which gives an advantage to a player having a high degree of coordination. The spinner game and the method of playing the same includes a tree-like structure having a base member, an elongate trunk member being attached to the base member and extending upwardly therefrom, and branch members extending outwardly from the elongate trunk member; and also includes an assembly of playing the spinner game including a plurality of spinner members being spinably and detachably attached to the branch members, and also including die members.

Abstract: A method for conducting a promotional game or lottery in which the awards are access to one or more predetermined internet-based services or sites. Validation codes are entered into a computer which is communicatively connected to the Internet and registered at a designated Internet site. Rewards and benefits are thereafter available to the individual at retail stores and Internet sites if the code previously had been registered at the designated Internet site.

Abstract: A device and method are set forth playing a game of Bingo while at the same time playing Poker. A processor displays a player Bingo card representing a 5×5 matrix and selects a virtue card against which the player competes. Each matrix coordinate has a Bingo number/letter assigned thereto. Bingo numbers are selected and compared to those on the matrices. At each concordance, a playing card value is assigned. The selection is terminated when the virtual Bingo card or player Bingo card obtains a predetermined Bingo. For any predetermined patterns formed by card values on the player Bingo card, the player receives an award. Also the player can select a row, column or diagonal and use the selected cards to form a Poker hand. If the player obtains a predetermined Poker holding, the played receives and award.

Abstract: In connection with a game of chance in which numbers are selected, a player may wager that the lowest of the selected numbers may be a “high” number or the highest of the selected numbers may be a “low” number. If the player has correctly wagered on the “high” number or the “low” number, the player receives a payout with the amount of payout varying depending on how low the “high” number is or on how high the “low” number is.

Abstract: A method is set forth for playing a bonus game in a secondary slot machine adjacent a primary slot machine. The primary slot machine issues a bonus qualifying signal to the secondary slot machine to start play of a bonus game when a bonus qualifying event occurs. The reels of the bonus game include value symbols, null symbols, and end game symbols which may be of two basic types: a lose game symbol and a stop game symbol. After the random spin, the values of any value symbols displayed on the payline of the secondary slot machine are accumulated into an accumulated winning value. The value symbols could include positive integer values, negative integer values, and multiples. The random spinning, determination of values of any value symbol and the accumulation of a winning value is repeatedly continued until an end of the bonus game occurs.

Abstract: The abstract consist of the following formula, Time (T) as Choice Selection plus Weather (W) as Prediction equals Weather Lottery Winner (WLW), T+W=WLW. The weather is recorded by lottery sponsor, a twenty-four hour log. This log chart will be the reference to determine which player will win. The player most choose the right time which the sponsor draws randomly either manual or computerized. Time as numbers is the equivalent of twenty four as hours of the day. The weather chart will be a logged weather condition recording for each hour. The time as a number drawn will determine the weather number to be use as a match, to win. The player who has selected the right choice of time as a number and has predicted the proper weather match as a number, same as sponsors random drawing pick and weather log match, is the winner.

Abstract: A play ticket for use in a game of chance including a sheet of paper, a first graphical image and at least one advertising graphical image. The sheet of paper has a front facing surface and aback facing surface. The sheet of paper is weakened along at least one predetermined line to define at least a first portion and a second portion. The first graphical image includes required indicia for playing the game of chance and is at least partially imprinted on the first portion. The at least one advertising graphical image includes indicia identifying a product of an advertiser and is imprinted on the second portion. The first graphical image is imprinted on the front facing surface. The sheet of paper may include a readable data form containing coded data. The sheet of paper may also include a coupon detailing a product discount.

Abstract: In a game machine for causing exhibited prizes such as stuffed toys to be acquired with game characteristics, the reliability of the game machine can be ensured, and a new game characteristic can be obtained. A prize acquisition game machine includes a prize exhibit portion for exhibiting a plurality of prizes provided with ID tags 3a having machine readable arbitrary identification marks, a prize selection unit for selecting desired prizes from the prize exhibit portion, an ID tag reading device 16 for reading the identification marks from the ID tags of the prizes selected by the prize selection unit, a judgement unit (e.g., a CPU) for comparing and judging whether or not the identification marks of the plurality of prizes selected by the prize selection unit 4 are identical to each other, and a control portion (e.g., a CPU) for driving a prize release unit in a case where a judgement result of the judgement means is YES, to release the plurality of prizes.

Abstract: A ticket for an instant lottery game and method for playing the same is disclosed. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a ticket for an instant lottery game simulates computerized video poker. The ticket comprises an initial hand of cards imprinted on the ticket, wherein the initial hand is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when the alterable area corresponding to the initial hand is altered, the initial hand is revealed. The ticket also includes a plurality of strategies for the game each imprinted on the ticket, wherein each strategy is related to the initial hand, wherein the strategies are those that are most likely to result in a player achieving a favorable outcome for the game, and wherein each strategy is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when an alterable area corresponding to one of the plurality of strategies is altered, the strategy corresponding thereto is revealed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing an instant win gaming ticket. An instant win gaming ticket has multiple instant win games which can be played by the player. The amount won per game is dependent on the results of at least one previous game on the same ticket. The player plays the games on a single ticket and the amount the player wins for each game depends on whether previously played games on the same ticket were won or lost.

Abstract: A flying disc is provided that includes indicia disposed at different radians about a center of the flying disc for defining a flying disc game. A method of playing a game with a flying disc.

Abstract: A lottery ticket having a play area containing rows and columns defining individual play spaces with up to all of the play spaces containing a play symbol and at least one line connecting a plurality of play spaces wherein a prize may be won if the line connects at least two preselected play symbols.

Abstract: A lottery ticket having a first play area including individual play regions each of which contains a player-identification symbol, a prize defeating symbol or a neutral and a second play area which is associated with the first play area and which at least in part determines whether a prize has been won.

Abstract: A number ball assembled by an upper and lower ball housings for playing a lotto or bingo game and disposed with an integrated circuit chip inserted therein for a sensor to detect and read is characterized that the spherical surfaces combined by the upper and lower ball housings have six symmetric planes as that on a dice. Various figures or numbers are printed on the surfaces. The surfaces are easier to be printed than that on a conventional spherical number ball; the printed figure is larger and the combination of the spheroid is easier to be positioned and recognized.

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for a plurality of players employs break open tickets (10), at least some of the tickets having printed on them one or more instant win awards (40). The awards are covered, prior to play, with one or more removable cover members (34) such as flaps or scratch off seals. Some of the tickets include one or more eligible game symbols (52) which entitle the ticket holder to enter a bonus round of play.

Abstract: A device for dispensing awards includes a housing having a set of compartments, the contents of which are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a small but valuable award, such as a diamond. The housing is part of, or connected to, a gaming machine. When a player wins a game which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing a input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the award. The device provides enhanced security, because the compartment will not open unless the player has won the required game and has pressed the input device, and the attendant has properly opened the external door and has entered the correct code with the electronic key.

Abstract: Provides a game machine with exceptional interactivity capable of ascertaining players' psychological states from player's voices and actions. It is a game device for executing a prescribed game program in response to information input by players. Comprises a device for recognizing voices or actions made by players, and a processing board for ascertaining the condition of recognized voices and actions, and, for a given voice or given action, modifying the game device response processing operations to the voice or action in response to the condition of the voice or action.

Abstract: A card game in which the player makes a wager, preferably a five credit wager, and the player is then dealt an initial five card hand. The player may then stand on his initial five cards or the player may discard unwanted cards and receive a replacement cards for each card that is discarded. In order to discard unwanted cards, the player must make an additional wager, preferably in the amount of one additional credit, for each card that the player wishes to discard. The final five card is analyzed for poker hand ranking and if the player has achieved a winning poker hand, the player is paid in accordance with a pay table based on the total number of credits wagered by the player.

Abstract: A pull-tab gaming set, a progressive pull-tab gaming system and a method of operating a progressive pull-tab game. The gaming set includes a plurality of pull-tab cards. The gaming section contains indicia of a redemption value of the card which is unascertainable until the gaming section is revealed. There are preferably at least three classes of pull-tab cards in the gaming set in the form of winners having indicia of a fixed non-zero value, losers having indicia of a zero value and at least one jackpot card with indicia of an undetermined total value. The progressive pull-tab card game system includes a pull-tab dispensing unit, a jackpot display, and a control system operatively connected to the dispensing unit to monitor the quantity of pull-tab cards dispensed. The control system is configured to compute a jackpot value dependent on that quantity and operatively connected to the jackpot display.

Abstract: A gambling game includes the steps of preparing a plurality of gaming cards with an indicia of identification, and a plurality of gaming symbols on a face of the card. The indicia of identification is recorded within a database of a central computer system. The gaming cards are then distributed to a plurality of remote gaming card dispensing machines networked to the central computer system. Participants can purchase for a predetermined amount of money the gaming cards from the remote gaming card dispensing machines. A first set of symbols is generated and communicated over the network to a plurality of displays. If no winner is determined subsequent symbols are generated, and communicated, until the symbols complete a match on at least one participant's gaming card. The process continues until a participant completes a match and wins.

Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprise a first gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a display of a bingo-type game actuatable in response to a signal from the first gaming unit.

Abstract: This specification discloses various types of games that preferably utilize a game ticket to provide a first game with a base award. A second or other succeeding game may provide the opportunity to multiply the award or otherwise provide additional or different (including possibly reduced or less valuable or desirable) prize. The specification discloses game tickets that preferably have hidden indicia for at least one of the games played in conjunction with the ticket, and the hidden indicia are preferably determined by scratching off a removable material. In one embodiment, the ticket includes hidden indicia for both a first game and a second game, and the second game includes a group of such indicia from which the player must pick to procure a single award multiplier. Portions of the game may be determined in conjunction with other gaming activities such as publicized multiplier determination games, announcements, or drawings.

Abstract: A gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. The gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus (10) comprises symbols providing means for providing a plurality of symbols (40), each symbol having a value designation. The apparatus further includes presentation means for selecting two or more symbols (40) from the plurality of symbols and presenting the symbols to a user. The plurality of symbols are arrangeable in order of value designation. The apparatus also includes replacement means for replacing one or more of the selected symbols with one or more successive symbols from along the order of value designation.

Abstract: A ticket for an instant lottery game and method for playing the same is disclosed. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a ticket for an instant lottery game simulates computerized video poker. The ticket comprises an initial hand of cards imprinted on the ticket, wherein the initial hand is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when the alterable area corresponding to the initial hand is altered, the initial hand is revealed. The ticket also includes a plurality of strategies for the game each imprinted on the ticket, wherein each strategy is related to the initial hand, wherein the strategies are those that are most likely to result in a player achieving a favorable outcome for the game, and wherein each strategy is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when an alterable area corresponding to one of the plurality of strategies is altered, the strategy corresponding thereto is revealed.

Abstract: A lotto type online game for use in state sponsored lottery applications, commercial game applications, newspaper circulation builder promotional games, and others. The method of playing allows the player a choice in selecting, at the point of purchase, the price point level to be wagered and the degree of participation desired. The method of playing lottery game includes the step of selecting a first set of numbers from a predetermined group of numbers identified by a lottery sponsor. Winning of a prize is determined by matching a plurality of the numbers of said first set of selected numbers with at least some from a first set of drawn numbers and matching a plurality of the numbers of said first set of selected numbers with at least some from a second set of drawn numbers. The first and second sets of drawn numbers are determined by the lottery sponsor. The game can incorporate the existing equipment of the lottery sponsor for selecting numbers, printing tickets and drawing numbers.

Abstract: A slot machine is provided in a cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. The game display 11 comprises a video display screen ii controlled to display a game image divided into a matrix of elements or player selectable zones. The video screen is preferably of the touch sensitive variety, having an array of touch sensitive areas located on its display surface with one such area associated with each matrix element 40-75. The player may select one of the matrix elements (eg. 41) by touching the screen within the area of the respective element to be selected, thereby causing the image in the element to change to reveal whether or not a prize value is associated with that zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for playing a game at a party for enhancing the enjoyment of a plurality participants during the party, while gifts are being opened. The game apparatus and method includes, providing a plurality of gift items, providing a concealing device for individually covering each of the gift items from view, providing a participant with a unit for advancing play during the game. The participant is further provided with a member for making the concealing device more difficult to remove during play. The goal is to remove the concealing device to reveal a gift item before the removing is stopped. If a gift is fully revealed during play, the participant may retain the gift item.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game comprises:

Abstract: A lottery ticket having a first play area including a preselected number of pairs of adjacent play symbols, and a second play area including a plurality of intersecting rows, each row having at least two regions with each region containing a play symbol, wherein the player matches the pairs of symbols from the first play area with the same play symbols in adjacent regions of the second play area and a prize is won if the player completes a sufficient number of play symbols in the second play area.

Abstract: Coin Boards and Seal Cards have been used in conjunction with the playing of Pull-Tab Gambling games in the market place for many years. However, we are not aware of the Coin Board or Seal Card games being combined and used in conjunction with the real-time play of a Pull-Tab game. The Action Board, is a combination Coin Board and Seal Card providing Player excitement, heretofore, not available. The real-time play and combination of Pull-Tab instant prizes, inter-acting and in conjunction with Coin Board and Seal Card instant prizes during the playing of the basic Pull-Tab game differentiate the invention from the typical Coin Board or Seal Card game. The typical Coin Board or Seal Card games are played separately from each other, after all the tickets that comprise the game are sold out, the Coin Board or Seal Card prize winners are identified and the prizes awarded.

Abstract: There is disclosed a slot game machine in which plural kinds of numbers are arbitrarily appeared in each of three frame windows which are arranged in juxtaposed relation and during the time the numbers in each frame window are being changed, one number out of the changing plural numbers is stopped in each frame window by corresponding stop means, wherein one of the three frame windows is designed as a reference frame window and when the correlation among the numbers stopped in the respective frame windows becomes such that the number stopped in the reference frame window is larger than the number stopped in one of the remaining two frame windows but smaller than the number stopped in the other remaining frame window, a win signal is output. A pachinko machine equipped with a slot machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates and displays a pachinko-type game and outcome on a screen connected to the processor. The gaming device initially provides a preliminary game that yields the number of attempts or objects that the player has in the pachinko-type game. Next, the game displays the pachinko-type game screen having a player selectable starting area. The starting area is large enough so that when the player picks a certain position of the area, the object falls from the selected position, hits a plurality of pegs and lands in an award position. The selected start position affects which award position that object eventually falls in accordance with the probability distribution predicted by the laws of physics. The player's award, however, is not effected by which start position the player selects.

Abstract: A ticket for and a method of conducting a probability game that can be used for instant lottery applications without the security risks normally associated with such games. Prior to generating the game tickets, the lottery or commercial entity decides what prizes they will offer and the frequency of those prizes appearing in the overall lottery. The total payout is determined based on standard statistical (probability) formulas. Based on this information, a computer is utilized to make a random selection of the number and/or symbol for each ticket that is that tickets winning number and the placement on the ticket of that winning number and/or symbol. Once the data is generated, an independent accounting firm verifies that each ticket does in fact contain a winner and that the placement of those winning numbers on the entire production run of tickets is without a pattern. When the verifications are completed satisfactorily, the tickets are printed and/or the data can be loaded to an on-line data base.

Abstract: A system and method is provided by which players participating in a primary lottery drawing may elect to participate in a second, or derivative lottery drawing (a “meta-game”). In one embodiment, a meta-game is conducted by first registering a plurality of lottery entries to define a group. The group wins an award in the meta-game if the plurality of lottery entries of the group fail to win an award above a predetermined threshold in the primary lottery drawing.

Abstract: A game played for amusement is disclosed. The game requires a response to trigger information that remains hidden until a predetermined theme information has been selected. A player that correctly matches or, by agreement of one or more player(s) or an operator, most closely matches the trigger information to the randomly selected predetermined theme information is the winner. Numerous repeats of the game can be performed, the ultimate winner being the player that has correctly identified the most trigger information to the randomly selected predetermined themes. The game may be played using cards and dice, using on computer(s) or in other forms. Such an embodiment may be particularly appropriate as a travel game printed on a card, in an airline magazine or in other book form. Where a response is desired to be submitted, this may be done via a communications means such as mail, fax, or the like.

Abstract: A game system providing multiple levels of integrated play featuring instant progressive awards and variably compounding award amounts. The game system may be one of many types, including seal cards, jar tickets, instant games and lottery tickets. The game system offers the opportunity for awards at an initial level, and a chance for an instant progressive award offered to players qualifying for an upper level. Players eligible for an instant progressive award do not wait until the end of play at the initial level before participating at the upper level. Any upper level progressive award amounts not awarded may be compounded with an award amount associated with the next round of play to create an increased award amount in the next round. Any compounded award amount is variable and not predetermined. The instant progression scheme and variably compounding award amounts increase player interest over multiple rounds of play.

Abstract: A chance game feature for a gaming machine is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The feature comprises a matrix, a plurality of moving targets, and an object. The matrix defines an entrance end, an exit end, and a plurality of paths extending between the entrance end and the exit end. The moving targets are proximate the exit end. The object traverses one of the paths and is received by one of the targets. The receiving target is randomly selected from among the plurality of targets prior to the object traversing the one of the paths. A position of the receiving target when the object reaches the exit end is calculated, and one of the paths that lead to the position of the receiving target is randomly selected. A payout is awarded based on the receiving target.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for facilitating group play by a team of members associated with a casino slot club. The method includes the steps of identifying the team members, identifying a set of rules designated by the team for rewarding the team members when a payout is due to one of the team members, detecting a payout due to one of the team members, and rewarding the team members in accordance with the set of rules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game system utilizing the Internet capable of enjoying in real time a pinball game on a game machine installed in a pinball parlor under a remote operation by the utilization of the Internet.

Abstract: A method of increasing likelihood of locating sought individuals, including missing persons or wanted individuals by stimulating public awareness through the dissemination of pictures and other data or indicia (12) of such individuals on lottery game cards. In addition, a-portion of the card that bears data of an individual being sought is a detachable stub (24) which can be kept as an entry for an additional opportunity to participate in a contest at a later date.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player.

Abstract: A player selects whether the numerical total of the numbers selected during a lottery game will be high or low, or either high or low. When the winning lottery numbers are selected, they are also totaled and a numerical sum of the selected lottery numbers is determined. The numerical total is designated as “high”, “low” or “middle” based on pre-established criteria and winning high/low selections are paid. A separate wager may be required for the player to be eligible for this high/low feature of the lottery game.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a dice game utilizes advantageous aspects of the conventional Craps game while simplifying betting options. The game incorporates high-payoff wagers as well as a wager including no house advantage. The amount of the no house advantage wager is typically dependent upon the first wager and upon a role of the player. The game includes establishing a key player, receiving a primary wager that one of a plurality of events will occur, receiving an optional secondary wager that another of the plurality of events will occur, rolling the pair of dice, and resolving the primary wager and secondary wager based on the roll of the dice. The secondary wager is dependent upon the primary wager, which dependency is determined based on whether the player making the secondary wager is the key player.