Chance Selection Patents (Class 273/139)
  • Patent number: 8360874
    Abstract: A method for casino operators and/or players to instantly “create” new games without requiring recertification by a gaming laboratory. New games are created on the fly by making combinations of game attributes including but not limited to theme, denomination, volatility, RTP. Game attributes are associated to pre-certified software components that are then dynamically linked to instantly offer a new game. Having players dynamically create games according to their preference totally removes the game operator's risk to compose menus of available games that players will not play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Sylvie Linard, Thierry Brunet de Courssou
  • Patent number: 8360780
    Abstract: A multiplication and division puzzle and method of making thereof include a main table having a plurality of cells in rows and columns, the cells being filled with products and multipliers. A template having a plurality of cells that correspond to the plurality of cells in the main table has selected cells removed to form openings therein to reveal a set of product clues in the main table when the template is superimposed or laid thereon. The product clues include the products in the cells of the main table. The non-selected cells that remain in the template, concealing the multiplier answer and non-selected product answers in the main table. The main table and template are used to form a puzzle blank having a plurality of cells containing the set of product clues and empty cells for the user to fill in missing product answers. The main table contains all of the product and multiplier answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Lyndon O. Barton
  • Patent number: 8360862
    Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that integrate social contact identifiers into wagering games. One of the devices described is a social contact identifier integrator. The social contact identifier integrator can display one or more elements of a wagering game, such as graphics that are part of, or connected to, the wagering game. A player of the wagering game can have a social network account that has one or more related social network accounts, such as friends or acquaintances. The social contact identifier integrator selects a social contact identifier from one of the related social network accounts and integrates the social contact identifier into the wagering game. The social contact identifier integrator can also determine and assign rewards to the player or to the related social network account whose social contact identifier appeared in the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Damon E. Gura, Jeremy M. Hornik
  • Patent number: 8360859
    Abstract: A gaming device such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. In accordance with one or more embodiments, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 8357037
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a player may be provided with information identifying a characteristic of a true outcome of a set of possible outcomes of an event, the set consisting of a first and second subset, the second subset comprising a second possible outcome. Next, the player may submit a first wager on a first of the possible outcomes. Next, the system may reveal to the player that a the first subset may not comprise (or may be at least substantially unlikely to comprise) the true outcome. The second subset may comprise (or may be at least substantially likely to comprise) the true outcome. The player may be provided with an opportunity to change from the first wager to a second wager on the second possible outcome, e.g., only if the second subset of possible outcomes comprises the first possible outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Dean P. Alderucci, Charles Plott, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 8353757
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., a player may access the video presentation online). In one embodiment, each of the individual outcomes may be represented via a video that depicts a continuous event that provides an indication of the outcomes. This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal, yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). The player, in one embodiment, may either view the outcomes via a traditional gaming device interface (e.g., via a representation of slot reels) and as discreet outcomes, or view a video that depicts a continuous event, as determined by the discreet outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Michael W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8348743
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a player may accumulate occurrences of matched lottery numbers over a plurality of lottery outcomes (e.g., lottery number drawings) and/or a plurality of lottery entries. The player may be allowed a bonus if a running count of occurrences of matched numbers is at least equal to a predetermined number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Stephen C. Tulley, John M. Packes
  • Patent number: 8342962
    Abstract: A display system includes a cabinet, a transparent dashboard and a lighting system. The dashboard is fabricated to have at least two refractive indices such that when light from the lighting system is projected therethrough, a unique lighting effect is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack
    Inventors: Sigmund H. Lee, Mark A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8342944
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a wagering game system includes at least one wagering game computer program operative on the wagering game platform to detect a wager. A persistent state manager software component is operative to read or write persistent state data to and from the wagering game computer program and persistent state media. In one embodiment, the persistent state media is a bar-coded ticket, and in another embodiment an electronic data storage device such as a RFID device. A messaging system allows persistent state media devices to interact with the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jim Motyl, James M. Rasmussen, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 8342950
    Abstract: A hidden attraction game commences play for a number of successive wagers after a gaming machine is idle for a time followed by a wager-in. For each successive wager, the attraction game provides an attraction game outcome with a low value award. Each attraction game outcome corresponds to a base game outcome having a low value base game award. If a base game outcome for a successive wager results in a higher win, the base game controls and the attraction game ends. The player, not aware of the hidden attraction game, believes the attraction game wins are base game wins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Robert C. Dorr
  • Patent number: 8337298
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs and such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a secondary game, wherein if the secondary game is triggered, a player is provided either a fixed award or one of the progressive awards associated with the secondary game based on a play of the secondary game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 8337309
    Abstract: A electronic gaming device that distributes data based awards has been developed. The gaming device includes an outcome processor that determines certain machine events and an award delivery device that delivers data based awards in response to the machine events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas M. Okuniewicz
  • Patent number: 8333380
    Abstract: An instant lottery ticket game wherein a scratch-off material is removed from a first playing area of the ticket, and if three or more like kind outcome indicia are revealed, the ticket is a winner; however, if three or more like kind outcome indicia are not revealed in the first playing area, a scratch-off covering material is removed from a second playing area to reveal a “Bonus” prize award, so that every ticket is a winning ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Markman Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Norman G. Berkowitz
  • Publication number: 20120299241
    Abstract: A process is provided. The process generates, with a lottery machine apparatus, a predetermined quantity of unique combinations of a set of game indicia. Further, the process prints, with a lottery ticket printer, a set of lottery tickets for a lottery game such that each of the lottery tickets in the set of lottery tickets distinctly corresponds to one of the unique combinations of the set of game indicia. In addition, the process distributes a subset of the set of lottery tickets in a plurality of lots. The process also determines a maximum prize winner by selecting a winning unique combination from a subset of the predetermined quantity of unique combinations of the first set of game indicia that is associated with the subset of the set of lottery tickets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Michael D. Frick, Mark B. Davis, Stan Pade
  • Patent number: 8317586
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to acquire an original player input value associated with a wagering game. One or more simulations may be run in reverse from a randomly selected statistical outcome to determine at least one of a modified starting game parameter value, a modified intermediate-time game parameter value, and a modified player input value. Original starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and/or player input values may be modified to provide the modified starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and player input values, respectively. At least a portion of the simulation running forward based on the modified values may be displayed. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Ansari, Allon Englman, Vernon W. Hamlin, Jeremy Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 8317599
    Abstract: A system comprises: a receiving unit for receiving information of a user; a first notifying unit for notifying the user of a first challenge in a first game apparatus a first output unit for outputting first clear information when a progress result of a game controlled by the first game apparatus becomes the first result relating to the first challenge; a second notifying unit for notifying the user of a second challenge in a second game apparatus; a second output unit for outputting second clear information when a progress result of a game controlled by the second game apparatus becomes the second result relating to the second challenge; and a processing unit for performing predetermined process for determining whether a predetermined process condition is satisfied, and for performing, when the predetermined process condition is satisfied, predetermined process that is not performed when the predetermined process condition is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Goto, Takashi Uchiyama, Kazuhiro Kusuda, Hiroshi Tomaru, Masato Okuaki
  • Patent number: 8313371
    Abstract: A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Luciano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8308552
    Abstract: The present invention is to be capable of inhibiting the occurrence of an instance where the enjoyment of a player who plays with the game apparatus by the total event is decreased when a single total event is carried out among two or more game apparatuses. The present game system includes: two or more game apparatuses, each of which comprises a game progress control unit for performing game progress control; and an event processing apparatus for performing a process for carrying out a single total event at the same timing by the plurality of game apparatuses. The event processing apparatus and each game apparatus are connected in a manner to enable communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Goto, Kazuhiro Kusuda, Masato Okuaki, Takashi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8308540
    Abstract: The applicants' provide a process for playing “No Dealer Hand” Blackjack/Twenty-One. As such, the uses of, or display of, at least one common deck of Fifty-Two cards is being applied in play action. This process is inclusive to either an encompassing video gaming apparatus or a live action table gaming environment, as accommodated for. In play action, the dealer's hand is replaced with the application of Trigger Numbers, ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20), and optional Push Numbers ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20). Through such an application, the applicants' present a more mathematically malleable “core margin percentage variance” being afforded for exploitation by Housemasters. Likewise, the mathematical mechanics supporting this broader core margin percentage variance is made possible while simultaneously applying a seamlessly familiar playing experience for patrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: J. Richard Hedge, Jr., Aviva R. Hedge
  • Patent number: 8308574
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter include one or more machine readable media including instructions which when executed by a machine cause the machine to perform operations comprising: loading, into a main memory of the machine, a wagering game software program configured to, upon execution, determine results for wagering games and to provide the results to remote wagering game terminals; executing the wagering game software program in the machine; deactivating the wagering game software program, wherein the deactivating includes, for each one of the wagering game terminals, determining that the one of the wagering game terminals has been idle for a specified time period; discontinuing determination of the results and provision of the results to the one of the wagering game terminals; and ceasing execution of the wagering game software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary M. Burke, James E. Oatman, Jacqueline F. Parra
  • Patent number: 8308561
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus for facilitating game play. The gaming apparatus may include a value input device, a display unit, and a player control panel. The player control panel may include a curved surface centered around at least one axis. The gaming apparatus also may include a touch screen, the touch screen conforming to the curved surface of the player control panel. A value input may be received from a player via the value input device, and the display unit may be caused to display a game display. One of a plurality of player input displays may be selected and display the selected one of the plurality of player input displays. Player input data associated with the selected one of the plurality of player input displays may be received via the touch screen, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Chauncey W. Griswold, Chris Gadda
  • Patent number: 8308162
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing a secondary lottery game with a first instant lottery game in an instant lottery game ticket is disclosed. The player purchases an instant lottery game, where chances for winning instant prizes are provided to the player. The player may also be provided a chance to win entry with predetermined entry indicia into a secondary lottery game if the instant lottery ticket indicates that the player has won a ticket to the secondary lottery game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Kyle Rogers
  • Patent number: 8303407
    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 a display 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 a display 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 display 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder
  • Patent number: 8303398
    Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and a processor for executing gameplay on the gaming machine. The processor has a plurality of power consumption levels. A power regulator is operative to alter the power consumption level of the processor amongst the plurality of power consumption levels. In an embodiment, the power regulator comprises application software stored on a memory device in communication with the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado
  • Patent number: 8298061
    Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a playing card and methodology of playing a game with the playing card comprised of the following steps, but not necessarily in the order shown, selecting from a set of gaming symbols, one or more winning gaming symbols for the play of the game, the selecting of one or more winning gaming symbols occurs prior to providing at least one playing card; and the selecting of one or more winning gaming symbols is preformed anew for each game; providing a playing card presenting gaming symbol(s) for the play of the game; and comparing the gaming symbols of the distributed playing card with the selected one or more winning gaming symbols to determine if the distributed playing card has any gaming symbols that match the one or more winning gaming symbols to establish the playing card as a winning game card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony J. DeLise
  • Patent number: 8292722
    Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises a symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to conduct processing of (A) executing a game in which, after game media in number equal to or less than a predetermined maximum number of BETs are bet, the plurality of symbols are rearranged by the symbol display device, and game media in number according to the arranged symbols or combinations are paid out; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; and (E) clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C) and at the same time shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, when a game ending c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8292728
    Abstract: The present invention is to be capable of carrying out an unusual performance beyond type of machine. The present game apparatus includes: two or more types of game apparatuses having hardware configurations different from each other, each of the game apparatuses including a performance unit for carrying out a performance visually and audibly appealing to a player, and a game progress control unit for controlling game progress and performing game performance control according to the game progress by controlling the performance unit; and a total performance processing apparatus for executing a process for carrying out a total performance in the two or more types of game apparatuses by using the performance unit provided in each of the two or more types of game apparatuses. The total performance processing apparatus and the two or more types of game apparatuses are connected and capable of communicating with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Goto, Kazuhiro Kusuda, Masato Okuaki, Takashi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8287351
    Abstract: A lottery game system and methodology incorporates a terminal-based game component and a subsequent interactive-based game component. A player is provided access and is entitled to participation in the interactive-based game component as a function of a winning outcome in the terminal-based game component. The interactive-based game component may incorporate a wagering function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Boykin, Brian Bateson
  • Patent number: 8277302
    Abstract: A method, system, device and computer readable medium are described, in which a wagering game and a secondary game may be provided at a gaming device, wherein the secondary game comprises detecting an occurrence of a trigger; determining, responsive to the trigger, a player number based on a first criterion; determining, responsive to the trigger, a match number based on a second criterion; and determining if the match number meets a third criterion with respect to the player number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen
  • Patent number: 8277306
    Abstract: A gaming machine of the present invention allows an insurance function to be set in a game, based upon an operation of a player. Among games in which plural types of symbols are rearranged on a display device every game execution in which the insurance function is effective, an accumulative value stored in a memory is updated so as to increase. As a result of repeating the game in which the insurance function is effective, where the accumulative value has reached a predetermined value for activating the insurance function, it is judged whether a payout of a preset value for insurance and an execution of a special game has been selected, according to an operation of a selection input section by a player. Either of the payout of the preset value for the insurance and the execution of the special game is performed, based upon a result of the judgment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Kazumasa Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8272934
    Abstract: A game device and a method allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine has a main display and a user interface. The game has a main game and a bonus game. The method includes the steps of (i) allowing the player to place a wager on the main game, (ii) playing the main game and randomly establishing a result of the main game, and (iii) awarding the player an award as a function of a paytable if the result of the main game is a win. The method further includes the steps of (iv) detecting an appearance of a predetermined bonus trigger symbol during the play of the main game and responsively, randomly selecting a bonus symbol from a set of bonus symbols, repeating steps (i)-(iv), and awarding the player a bonus award if a predetermined number of unique bonus symbols are selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Christopher Olive, Kent Bradley Young
  • Patent number: 8272941
    Abstract: Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game. In another aspect, winning the bonus award may be based on payback percentage or outcomes of the base game. In yet another aspect, the timing of the next bonus award can be configured, or otherwise based on one or more conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Patent Investment & Licensing Company
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 8272952
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a touch screen overlying at least a portion of the display. The system further includes a controller operative to (i) cause the display to display at least one soft key, the soft key overlying and concealing a first portion of the primary wagering game, (ii) cause the display to display a play of the primary wagering game, and (iii) during the play of the primary wagering game, cause the display to present an altered display of the soft key to reveal some or all of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Manning, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8267771
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device and at least one display for displaying a primary wagering game and a secondary wagering game. The secondary wagering game comprises a playing field, the playing field having a set of field attributes associated therewith. The system further comprises a controller operative to (i) determine and display a first outcome of the primary wagering game, (ii) determine if a first set of game attributes associated with first outcome is eligible for play in the secondary wagering game, (iii) if the first outcome is eligible, determine a second outcome of the secondary wagering game by resolving the first set of game attributes with the set of field attributes in accordance with a first rule set, and (iv) if the second outcome is a winning outcome, award a first award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wilson, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeremie Moll, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8262452
    Abstract: It is possible to select plural types of drawing games in accordance with a condition and to provide a game player with the selected drawing games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Okuaki, Hitoshi Arisawa
  • Patent number: 8262466
    Abstract: A network browser and toolbar objects are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar objects can be on a wagering game toolbar that is a part of the network browser. The toolbar objects indicate information associated with wagering games. The network browser and the toolbar objects can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar objects can cross market affiliate content and wagering game content using features of the toolbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8262480
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems implementing techniques for providing input for playing a game of chance. A gaming machine includes a touch screen display. The touch screen display is configured to display input selections, auxiliary input selections, and auxiliary data. The touch screen display is further configured to receive game input corresponding to the input selections and auxiliary input corresponding to the auxiliary input selections. The received game input and auxiliary input are transmitted to a controller of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Alexander C. Cohen, Paulina Rodgers, Janna B-Jensen, Chauncey Griswold, Leagh Beadell, Kirk Tedsen, Daniel Waller, James Stockdale, John Goodman, Mike Garamendi
  • Patent number: 8257164
    Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Robert F. Bigelow, Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis
  • Patent number: 8257165
    Abstract: In various methods, systems, and computer-readable media embodiments, first information about possible future outcomes of an event may be provided to at least one user of a gaming device. Wagers may be associated with possible outcomes. A first set of likelihood values corresponding to a set of possible outcomes may be determined using second information based on the wagers. Each of the first set of likelihood values may correspond to a respective possible outcome of the set. A second set of likelihood values may be determined based at least in part on the first set if one or more of its likelihood values are greater than or less than specific values. The second set of likelihood values may be associated with possible outcomes of the set. Third information based on the second set of likelihood values may be provided to at least two of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Dean P. Alderucci, Charles Plott, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 8256771
    Abstract: A mechanical calculator that computes payouts for combinations of roulette bets. A number wheel (50) has an array of payout numbers (54) for a combinations of two types of bets over a range of chips, such as up to 20 chips on a street bet and up to 20 chips on a line bet. A mask wheel (40) overlays the number wheel (50). Windows (44) on the mask wheel each reveal an individual number (54) on the number wheel, depending on the relative rotational positions of the mask and number wheels, which are manually selectable with knobs (28, 32). A cover plate (22) overlays the mask wheel, and has a window (26) that reveals a single combined payout number (54) on the number wheel under a mask window (1-20) and the cover plate window (26). Rotational index numbers (49, 68) indicate the number of chips selected for each bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Alicia Marquez
  • Patent number: 8257170
    Abstract: A method for casino operators and/or players to instantly “create” new games without requiring recertification by a gaming laboratory. New games are created on the fly by making combinations of game attributes including but not limited to theme, denomination, volatility, RTP. Game attributes are associated to pre-certified software components that are then dynamically linked to instantly offer a new game. Having players dynamically create games according to their preference totally removes the game operator's risk to compose menus of available games that players will not play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Sylvie Linard, Thierry Brunet de Courssou
  • Publication number: 20120220357
    Abstract: A method for playing lotto games creating many random sequences of betting elements containing all types of combinatorial structures and providing various possibilities for betting, wherein said betting elements of each type comprise single betting elements and sub-elements of at least two kinds, forming said single betting elements, said method comprising: betting according to selected by a player bet amount and a chance to win; picking out all betting elements at random from a set of said betting elements; picking out at random and returning to the set, one by one a particular number of said betting elements; picking out at random at least two additional betting elements; checking the results of bets after each part of the presented method, and in case of one or more successful bets, granting the players winning amounts according to the probabilities of success of their bets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander Stern
  • Patent number: 8251801
    Abstract: A system for playing a live game of chance using electronic wagering and enabling player-initiated change of denomination of virtual chips is disclosed. The system uses a gaming table equipped with a card-reading apparatus and multiple dual mode player/dealer displays, each with a player interface. Physical playing cards are electronically read and delivered to the casino table. Electronic information of at least one of rank and count is provided to a game processor. The game processor also sends and receives player information to and from a player display. The player display is divided into two segments, the first segment displaying player information and a second segment displaying dealer information. The player enters wagers and other play decisions through the player interface. The system displays information useful to the player on the first segment and information useful to the dealer on the second segment at appropriate intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan J. Wadds, Bradbury C T Glencross
  • Patent number: 8251794
    Abstract: A slot machine includes an option in which the probability of an outcome is influenced by changing the probability of one or more symbols occurring on one or more reels (reel 1, reel 2, . . . ) by randomly or pseudo-randomly selecting reels from a set of two or more reels. The probability can be adjusted by changing, adding or subtracting symbols on a reel strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Shuffle Master Australasia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Terry O'Halloran
  • Patent number: 8246468
    Abstract: A network browser and wagering game toolbar (“toolbar”) are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar can be in, or a part of, the network browser. The network browser and the toolbar can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar can receive and display wagering game content from a wagering game network as the main display area can receive and display content originating outside the wagering game network. In some embodiments, the toolbar can present content originating from one or more wagering game player accounts that provide audience participation in, or related to, wagering game activity presented on the toolbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120205866
    Abstract: A game panel allows a child to interact and communicate face to face, rather than through electronic means, with other children to create and play a game. The play maker is a personal engagement recreational tool that provides subtle guidance, assisting the child in discovering a unique opportunity to create, practice, teach and play with peers. The play maker panel provides, for example, seven major components found in every game. For each of these components, the play maker panel can provide, for example, ten sub-components for each of the fields. The play maker panel may include a device for randomly generating a number, for example a number between one and ten. The wheel may be spun one time for each of the components (for example, seven components) to provide a description in each game component for play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: John Philip LaRue
  • Patent number: 8231457
    Abstract: A game, and more particularly to an electronic game that simulates trading securities on an exchange. The game is preferably played as a video gaming machine for gambling purposes. A computing device is provided having, among other things, a video screen display on which a line chart is displayed. The computing device also includes a selection device, which provides a means by which the player interacts with the computing device to “buy” or “sell”. The line chart includes a vertical axis that corresponds to the value or price of one or more securities, and a horizontal axis that corresponds to time. A segmented line is plotted on the line chart during a round of play. A random number generator randomly determines the vertical axis value for each point plotted along the segmented line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Eugene Jarvis, Andrew Eloff
  • Patent number: 8226464
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus comprises a movable symbol selector and a reference object. The symbol selector has a plurality of presentation portions. Each portion is associated with one or more symbols of a first set of symbols. The reference object comprises a plurality of parts over which the selector can be moved. Each part is associated with one or more symbols of a second set of symbols. When the symbol selector moves relative to the reference object at least one relationship is formed between at least one of the selector portions and at least one of the reference object parts. The at least one relationship is for use in determining a game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Hyong Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 8226463
    Abstract: It is possible to select plural types of drawing games in accordance with a condition and to provide a game player with the selected drawing games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Okuaki, Junichi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8221221
    Abstract: Methods and systems for metrics-based gaming operations are provided. Information concerning game play for each play may be received and stored. Such information may be used to generate certain metrics. The generated metrics, in turn, may be used to determine how to customize a game operation. Such game operations may include providing training to a player, matching a player up with another player or with a team, adjusting a game event, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Riego