Chance Selection Patents (Class 273/139)
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Patent number: 8221209Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a wagering game of skill and chance is played electronically automatically according to a predetermined set of rules. Such games of chance may include card games, such as poker and blackjack, or other games, such as dominoes, craps or backgammon. Such games may be reduced to games of chance, removing the element of player skill, and allowing such games to be played outside legal gaming jurisdictions.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
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Patent number: 8221221Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLCInventor: Joseph Riego
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Patent number: 8220798Abstract: A game ticket is disclosed. The game ticket includes a first and second indicia concealed by a removable opaque covering and indicating visually whether the game ticket is a winning ticket. The first indicia is located with a game play area. The second indicia includes a first player key located within the game player area and a second player key located in a customer key area, wherein whether the game ticket is a winning ticket is determinable upon a comparison of the first and second player keys. A method and apparatus for using the game ticket is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: GTECH Rhode Island CorporationInventor: Richard Finnochio
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Patent number: 8210920Abstract: A method and system for playing jackpot and live baccarat games are provided. One feature of the jackpot method involves the use of card combinations that may include, e.g., at least one zero-point card. Another feature of the jackpot method involves initial jackpot contribution from the banker who operates the baccarat game. It is also provided a software program or a set of software program for carrying out any or all the steps of the disclosed gaming method.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventor: Jay Chun
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Patent number: 8210931Abstract: A gaming device or mobile gaming device presenting a player with a suggested tax efficient betting strategy, in which the wager is computed based on a players current tax profile. The gaming wager is displayed on a mobile gaming device as a net payout less any taxes that would be owed for the payout.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: CFPH, LLCInventors: Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman
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Patent number: 8206208Abstract: A system and methodology for conducting a lottery wagering game include receiving a first wager fee from players for entry in a primary game. The players are offered the option to pay a second wager fee for a chance at a first multiplier fact that may increase the prize award for winners of the primary game. The players are also offered the option to pay a third wager fee for a chance at a second multiplier factor that combines with the first multiplier factor in a predetermined for subsequently randomly generated multiplier function to determine a final multiplier factor that is applied to the prize award for winners of the primary game.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventors: Svetlana Ekisheva, Charles Boykin, Amy Hill
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Patent number: 8192279Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot. Players may win the wagering game, interim pattern awards and/or progressive jackpot awards by matching predetermined patterns with patterns formed on their unique game array with indicia matching selected indicia. The players may optionally participate and be eligible to win all or a portion of the progressive jackpot. In one embodiment, the player may be eligible for the progressive jackpot by wagering at least a minimum wager amount, and perhaps the maximum bet for the wagering game. In another embodiment, the player may affirmatively elect to be eligible for the progressive jackpot by placing a wager or fee in addition to a wager on the wagering game. Graphics corresponding to the progressive jackpot may be optionally displayed only to players eligible to win the progressive jackpot.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Ali M. Saffari, Bryan D. Wolf, Richard E. Michaelson
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Patent number: 8192278Abstract: A gaming terminal runs a base game and a special game simultaneously; awards a payout according to a result of the base game; awards the number of chance flags according to a result of the chance game; accumulatively stores, in a terminal storage unit, the number of chance flags in association with ID data and a PIN code; when ID data is newly inputted, determines whether the ID data is correct, referring to the original ID data stored; when the ID data is incorrect, determines whether the PIN code inputted through a PIN code input device is correct, referring to the PIN code stored; when the PIN code is incorrect, initializes the number of chance flags associated with the original ID data stored; when the PIN code is correct, stores the ID data newly inputted, replacing the original ID data stored.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Universal Entertainment CorporationInventor: Kazumasa Yoshizawa
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Patent number: 8182326Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices and gaming systems having an outcome based display of summarized past gaming results and a method of processing and displaying the past gaming results. In one example, a gaming device may record game information corresponding to the gaming event on the device and a memory and store this recorded information in a memory. The recorded information may be processed by the gaming device or another device connected to the gaming device to generate a summarized display of the recorded information to depict to a current gaming player or prospective gaming player.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: VCAT, LLCInventors: L. Donald Speer, II, W. Greg Shay, Kevin McIntosh, Donne Grable
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Patent number: 8177628Abstract: In various embodiments a single reel on a gaming device contains multiple symbols.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: CFPH, LLCInventors: Gregory P. Manning, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Mark A. Miller
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Patent number: 8177621Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a basic wagering game and a bonus wagering game. The bonus wagering game has a skill-based component that involves skill and a random component where no skill is involved. The gaming machine uses the random component to compensate players for a lack of optimal play during the skill-based component. The compensation is provided in a manner that appears random to the players to prevent the players from intentionally playing for the compensation.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Jaffe, Noel S. Steere
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Patent number: 8172664Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols, and a 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; (E) clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C) and also shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, when a game ending condition which enables a playerType: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.Inventor: Kazuo Okada
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Patent number: 8172685Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Larry J. Pacey, Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik
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Patent number: 8167705Abstract: A system installed in a casino allows gambling chips in the casino to have variable values. Each chip has an electronic circuit installed in it to store a chip identifier and data indicative of a value currently associated with the chip. Slot machines and other devices are arranged to interact with the gambling chips to read and write data from and into the chips. A central controller is connected to the slot machines and other devices that interact with the chips. The chips carry a display and/or an audio device to apprise players of the value currently associated with the chip.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik, Scott Wolinsky, William B. Van Vooren, Nathaniel Levin, Andrew P. Golden
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Patent number: 8162316Abstract: A game system is provided that includes at least one game device and at least one game piece. The game piece includes game information, which is not readily legible to the naked eye, and is projected onto a game surface. A device is also provided for playing a game that is configured to receive a game piece that is at least semi-transparent and contains information thereon not readily legible to the naked eye. Also provided is a game piece that is at least semi-transparent that includes game information that is not readily legible by the human eye that is insertable in a game device for projecting or viewing the game information. A figurine is also provided that includes a plurality of semi-transparent game pieces containing indicia or images thereon. The figurine also includes a rotatable portion and an aperture configured for viewing or projecting the indicia or images.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Home Focus Development LtdInventor: Jacob Ranis Stokholm Andersen
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Patent number: 8157630Abstract: A game of skill and chance is provided in which a random element selection device is used to indicate an element a player or computer is to remove from a grid of objects. When a predetermined outcome in the game is obtained, then the player is a winner if the outcome is attained within a predetermined period. A player may play against the odds or may play against other players.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
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Patent number: 8157647Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for operating a gaming device of a casino gaming network. In at least one embodiment, the gaming device includes a tournament manager and a first meter. In at least one embodiment, the first meter is operable to perform one or more of the following (or combinations thereof): receive a first meter update request for changing meter state information and/or meter data associated with the first meter; determine whether at least one condition exists for denying the first meter update request; and/or prevent execution of the first meter update request in response to a determination that at least one condition exists for denying the first meter update request.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Larry House, William Brosnan, Paul Neil Hunt, Robert Breckner, Warner Cockerille
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Patent number: 8136814Abstract: This invention relates to a predetermined bonus feature for use in conjunction with a designated underlying game of chance, wherein the individual game card and master game card or master bonus game card include symbols that predetermine and identify which player(s) is eligible to win the bonus prize upon the occurrence of another event. A predetermined winning bonus symbol on a master game card or master bonus game card made known prior to or after conclusion of play of the designated underlying game. Players who have a symbol on their individual game card that matches the predetermined winning bonus symbol know, in advance, that they are eligible to participate to win the bonus prize. The winner(s) of the designated underlying game will win the bonus prize if s/he is able to match a symbol on the individual game card with the winning bonus symbol.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: International Gamco, Inc.Inventor: Larry S. Segebarth
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Patent number: 8133109Abstract: A game system of the present invention has a plurality of gaming machines capable of communicating with each other via a communication line. The plurality of gaming machines each have an input device operable to input an insurance BET. The plurality of gaming machines carry out the following processing. The plurality of gaming machines set a predetermined value to be shared among the plurality of gaming machines. The gaming machines count the insurance BET thus input and sum up the insurance BET number accumulated in the plurality of gaming machines. Then, the plural types of symbols displayed on the display are automatically re-arranged. The gaming machines count the number of times for a game on a one-game basis and at the same time, sums up the number of times for the game accumulated in the plurality of gaming machines.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Universal Entertainment CorporationInventor: Tomoaki Oomori
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Publication number: 20120049507Abstract: A method for facilitating multi-lingual play of a game on a single game card includes providing a game play area on the game card. A first set of game instructions are provided on the game card printed in a first language. A second set of the game instructions in a different second printed language over superimposed over the first set of game instructions. An indicator is provided on the game card to convey that the first set of game instructions are present and accessible by removing the second set of game instructions. A player has the option to read the game instructions in either or both of the first or second printed languages.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Jeffrey D. Martineck, SR.
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Patent number: 8109513Abstract: A system, method and lottery ticket that implement a lottery game that uses a geometric figure having a plurality of selection spaces from which a player selects at least one selection space. The selection spaces are then populated with one or more game indicia, with each game indicia having a point value, and prizes are awarded based upon the total number of points associated with the game indicia populated into the player-selected selection spaces. Other lottery games can also be played simultaneously therewith on the same ticket or round of play.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventors: Chantal Jubinville, Stephen G. Penrice
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Patent number: 8109512Abstract: The card game combines aspects of Texas hold'em and raffle drawings. A plurality of mutually different cards or car representations is provided to each player as scratch-off or tear-off tickets, or cards in an envelope. A common multiple card hand is provided for player to form optimum hands with their card representations. The maximum number of player hands in a single distinct set, with each hand having mutually distinct cards therein, is determined by the number of cards in each hand and the number of distinct cards in the deck. The game may be played by a large group in lieu of conventional raffle ticket drawings, and provides for elimination of identical cards between each player hand and the common hand. At least one winning hand occurs with every game, as winning is comparative between players rather than absolute as in conventional raffle play.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Mary E. Gardiner, Donald N. Gardiner
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Publication number: 20120018994Abstract: A lottery ticket is formed by a substrate layer with game data printed in a game area with a fixing layer applied over the game data and a scratch-off layer applied over the sealing layer, the scratch-off layer being arranged to separate from the sealing layer and break down into fragments when scratched by a player. A UV curable varnish is printed onto the opaque scratch-off layer either as a single block or as separate patterns. While the varnish remains uncured, an exposed surface of the varnish is contacted and nipped with a surface of a film which has the surface thereof embossed to form a pattern and with the film in contact with the varnish, the varnish is cured by UV light through the film so as to apply the pattern of the film into the surface of the varnish to provide a holographic appearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Scott Thomas Stalker, David Joseph Thomas, Derek Victor LaRose
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Patent number: 8100749Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, John M. Packes, Jr., Magdalena Mik, Stephen C. Tulley
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Patent number: 8096865Abstract: A casino table or slot game allowing a player to place bets on game progressions. The player has the ability to tailor the game to his or her preferences. The player also has the ability to wager on the game before or during the game. Payouts on bets are adjusted according to computed payoffs depending on game situations.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: David Schugar
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Patent number: 8096871Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display having a reel section and a grid section. The reel section includes a plurality of cells arranged in one reel row and a plurality of reel columns. The grid section includes a plurality of cells arranged in a plurality of grid rows and a plurality of grid columns, with each of the reel columns corresponding to a specific grid column. A game is played by repeating the steps of displaying icons in each of the cells in the reel section, selecting one of the icons in the reel section and transferring the selected icon to the lowermost unoccupied cell in the grid column corresponding to the reel column in which the icon is displayed. The game is won when an alignment of icons in the grid section is equal to a defined winning grid alignment of icons.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Karl Roelofs
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Patent number: 8092292Abstract: A game having a first and a second plurality of indicia randomly selected from an indicia set. The first and second plurality of indicia are displayed to a player. The player may elect to receive either: (i) an array formed from the first plurality of indicia, or (ii) an array formed from a third plurality of indicia randomly selected from the first and second plurality of indicia. A winning game outcome occurs when a winning combination of indicia occurs in predetermined array positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Primo Innovo, LLCInventor: Michael L. White
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Patent number: 8092301Abstract: Games related to the aggregation of information are described. In some embodiments, a method includes determining a set of information about an outcome of an event. Each piece of information may identify a characteristic of the outcome. The method may further include providing a first piece of the information to a first player. The method may further include receiving a wager related to the event from the first player. The method may further include determining if the wager is consistent with the first piece of information. The method may further include requiring a payment for the wager based on the determination of whether the wager is consistent with the first piece of information.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: CFPH, LLCInventors: Dean P. Alderucci, Charles Plott, Mark Miller
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Patent number: 8092298Abstract: A gaming machine is described wherein a player first plays a primary game, such as the spinning and stopping of mechanical or video reels displaying symbols. A plurality of progressive jackpots is displayed to the player, where the progressive jackpots are incremented at different random rates. Upon a jackpot-winning outcome of the primary game, the number of different progressive jackpots paid to the player depends on the number of credits bet by the player. The jackpots are incremented upon jackpot-incrementing symbols being displayed by the reels. In one embodiment, the jackpot above each column of symbols gets incremented upon a special symbol, such as a credit value, being displayed in that column.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Atronic International GmbHInventor: Michael Gauselmann
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Patent number: 8087994Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for conducting a wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines is disclosed. A first community event is triggered and two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines are selected to participate in the first community event. A second community event is triggered—prior to completion of the first community event—and at least one gaming machine is selected from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the second community event. The at least one gaming machine being different from the two or more gaming machines selected to participate in the first community event. A substitute-community-event award is provided to the at least one gaming machine without playing the second community event.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Michael W. Mastropietro
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Patent number: 8087995Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Larry J. Pacey, Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik
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Patent number: 8070602Abstract: The present invention relates to a gambling machine comprised of a display unit (1) to display a course of a game and to display game results, and comprised of an operating unit (3) to influence the course of a game, and comprised of an electronic control unit (2) connected to the display unit (1) and to the operating unit (3) to control the course of a game and to determine the game results. To provide such a gambling machine wherein the operating unit (3) is wear-free and vandalism-safe, the present invention proposes that the operating unit (3) be comprised of an operating panel (4) made of a dielectrical shockproof material, the front side of which forms the operating panel of the operating unit (3), with the operating panel (4) being comprised of an operating field (5) or being subdivided into several operating fields (5), and wherein a capacitive sensor element (8) arranged on the rear side of the operating panel (4) is allocated to each operating field (5).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Herbert Wessling
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Patent number: 8070595Abstract: Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: CFPH, LLCInventors: Dean P. Alderucci, Charles Plott, Mark Miller
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Patent number: 8062114Abstract: A gaming system with a free play mode. The gaming system has a game controller configured to process game play instructions in accordance with game rules to produce game outcomes. A credit meter is under the control of the game controller, the credit meter incremented or decremented in accordance with the game outcomes during normal play. A player interface is in data communication with the game controller. The player interface comprising a display that displays game outcomes to the player and operable to cause a free mode instruction to be communicated to the game controller. The game controller is configured to deactivate the credit meter in response to receipt of a free mode instruction.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.Inventor: Nicholas Luke Bennett
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Publication number: 20110281637Abstract: A game method and related system provide a plurality of lottery tickets for players in the lottery game, with each lottery ticket having a grid of uniquely identifiable positions displayed thereon. The grid on each ticket is randomly populated with indicia from a field of indicia such that the grid positions contain at least one indicia and the entire field of indicia is randomly populated into each grid. A set of player indicia is indicted on each lottery ticket, which may be randomly generated or selected by the player. The positions in the grid are randomly and sequentially drawn, and the sequential order in which the positions were drawn is provided to the players. Prizes are determined for winning lottery tickets as a function of the number of the grid positions sequentially and randomly drawn prior to matching all of the player indicia on the respective lottery tickets.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Mark G. Meyer
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Patent number: 8057301Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting a feature in relation with a wagering game. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a first wager value and a second wager value; establishing evaluation conditions and increment a progressive prize based on this first wager value; and establishing an enhancement level of the progressive prize based on this second wager value. The method further comprising generating game outcomes, evaluating game outcomes, and awarding payouts based on evaluation of these game outcomes, wherein the prize value awarded for a progressive-prize winning outcome is based on the established enhancement level.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Labtronix Concept inc.Inventor: Gerald Duhamel
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Patent number: 8047545Abstract: Disclosed is a lottery-type game which involves providing a plurality of playing cards, each of which having one or more game symbols displayed thereon, and a master game card. The game further involves distributing at least a portion of the playing cards to a plurality of individual players and selecting one or more of the individual players having playing cards displaying predetermined selected ones of the game symbols. The game further includes determining whether one or more of the selected individual players are winners of primary prizes associated with an initial and a subsequent level of play. If none of the selected individual players are determined to be winners of the primary prize value associated with the initial level of play, at least a portion of the primary prize value associated with the initial level of play is rolled over into a primary prize value associated with the subsequent level of play.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Douglas Press, Inc.Inventors: William Thinnes, James Zalabak, James Bahry
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Patent number: 8047907Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game using a pull-tab ticket. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
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Patent number: 8042809Abstract: A lottery game incorporates player direction in determining the outcome of the game and allows a player to reveal one or more elements in a lottery game area according to rules associated with the lottery game. According to one embodiment of the invention, the player may expose initially any element of the lottery game area, and every exposable element includes an indication of at least two other exposable adjacent elements that may next be selected. The player's progression through the lottery game is not predetermined such that the player has significant ability or flexibility to control or direct the play of the lottery game and to influence or direct the outcome of the lottery game (e.g., embodied by the card).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch
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Patent number: 8038520Abstract: 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., player may access the video presentation online). 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). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch
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Patent number: 8038522Abstract: Apparatus and method for playing a Keno type game. The game consists of a plurality of elements, wherein a player specifies the number of game elements (such as the number of stop positions in a reel-type gaming machine), in the same way that the player would decide how many numbers to bet on a Keno game.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Case Venture Management, LLCInventors: Alfred Thomas, Duncan F. Brown, Lawrence E. DeMar, Scott D. Slomiany
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Publication number: 20110250943Abstract: A method is provided of vending game tickets from a vending machine during a game play session. Each ticket is preprinted with a plurality of individually playable games, and each game has a game result. The games are associated with at least one deal of games that includes at least some games that have predetermined winning game results. One or more games on a ticket are electronically purchased in a current game play session in response to a request inputted into the vending machine from a patron. Less than all of the games on the ticket may be purchased during the current game play session. An indication of which games on the ticket have been purchased is electronically recorded in database records. The vending machine dispenses all tickets that are played, including tickets wherein less than all of the games on the ticket were purchased during the current game play session.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: DIAMOND GAME ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: James A. BRESLO
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Patent number: 8037307Abstract: A system and method for providing an authentication code across a network for use in authentication of documents, such as printed lottery tickets. The system includes document-printing terminals that include a key that is used in a mathematical function with the bet information for a specific-game entry to generate a document code that is sent to a central server. The central server stores the received document code and then generates an authentication code for the document desired to be printed at the terminal, and sends the authentication code back to the terminal for printing on the issued document. The authentication code can be a further mathematical processing of the document code. Verification of the document occurs from comparison of the authentication code on the document and stored authentication and/or document codes at the server.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Scientific Games International Inc.Inventor: Kenneth E. Irwin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8028994Abstract: A gaming device with orbs for the generation of a greater number of results is disclosed. The device draws out numbers in a single playing cycle in various games where a greater number of orbs are used and the result depends on the numbers that are marked in the openings by randomly laying orbs. The balls are, as a rule, of two dimensions—wherein the balls with the smaller dimensions are in the game for reasons of better scattering and greater attractiveness, while the balls with the greater diameter that represent the result or the drawn numbers are retained in random holes on the plate of the cylinder with the help of the offset plate of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Elektroncek d.d.Inventor: Joze Pececnik
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Patent number: 8016670Abstract: Various virtual glasses for providing visual and audio displays in a gaming machine are disclosed. Such virtual glasses may replace traditional gaming machine displays such as silk-screened glasses and secondary video screens. A virtual glass system comprises at least a host adapted to provide video content, a host storage unit adapted to store video content for the host, and a virtual glass in communication with the host. A standard virtual glass comprises at least a logic device, a storage unit, and a video display device. Multiples of each item may be present in each virtual glass system and/or virtual glass. In particular, the combined capacity of all virtual glass storage units is substantially less than the combined video content capacity of the host storage units. Additional devices can include remote hosts, remote virtual glasses, multiple hosts, networked systems and advanced logic devices capable of providing prioritization and increased functionality.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Steven G. LeMay, John Goodman, Gregory A. Schlottmann
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Patent number: 8016660Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for sweepstakes awards in a gaming environment. Certain embodiments provide a method including accumulating sweepstakes entries for a player based on at least one sweepstakes entry criterion and randomly selecting a winner from the pool of sweepstakes entries. The sweepstakes entries are associated with the player and incorporated in a pool of sweepstakes entries. In certain embodiments, the at least one sweepstakes entry criterion comprises at least one of one entry per player, accumulating points based on play, accumulating points based on machine outcome, and coin in. In certain embodiments, the method further includes determining eligibility of a player for the sweepstakes. In certain embodiments, eligibility is determined based on at least one of a player group, a machine group, a machine denomination, a machine type, a machine manufacturer, a game manufacturer, a game theme and a game title, for example.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Walther, Lael Berelowitz
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Patent number: 8007356Abstract: A method of conducting a lottery includes registering a player with one or more losing tickets for one or more opportunities to enter one or more additional lotteries while collecting identifying information about the registered player. Allocating points to the registered player for each of the one or more losing tickets which are registered. Targeting communications to the registered player based on the collected identifying information. Entering the registered player in at least one of the additional lotteries in exchange for at least a portion of the allocated points which correspond with a number of entry points to participate. Conducting the additional lottery and providing the participating registered players with an outcome.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Griffin York & KrauseInventors: Travis York, Patrick Griffin
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Patent number: 8007355Abstract: An electronic roulette-type betting device and method is disclosed. The device comprises a display unit and an associated display control unit for the graphic reproduction of a roulette bowl device together with a rotating ball, at least one input unit for inputting symbols on which to bet, a time control unit for setting time limits for the betting process, said limits being reproducible on the display unit as ball rotating limits by means of the display control unit, an odds determining module that determines different winning odds for the individual symbols according to the pre-defined time limits supplied by the time control unit, a random generator for producing and transmitting random variables as winning symbols, and a comparison and evaluation unit for comparing the symbols bet on with winning symbols, and for determining and displaying wins in the event of a correlation of the symbols.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings LimitedInventor: Walter GrubmĂĽller
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Patent number: 8002622Abstract: Preprinted game tickets, such as instant game lottery tickets, are dispensed from a vending machine. Instead of having a fixed cost and a fixed prize amount, the game tickets may be purchased at different bet levels and credit values, both of which change the cost and prize amount.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Diamond Game Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: James Breslo
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Patent number: 8002626Abstract: A gaming terminal (10) is utilized for playing a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game. The gaming (10) terminal has a wager-input device (16a, 16b). A display (26) displays a plurality of moveable reels having symbols located thereon during the basic game. The symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes. The basic game implements a special mode in response to an enablement by a player. In response to the special mode being enabled and the movable reels displaying less than a full bonus triggering combination, the movable reels not displaying a portion of the full bonus triggering combination are re-spun.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventor: Allon G Englman