Chance Selection Patents (Class 273/139)
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Patent number: 7566267Abstract: A method of playing a casino game by offering a player a plurality of objects, each of which has a probability of success and associated award. The player chooses an object and receives the associated award when the chosen object is successful. The player continues to chose objects until the casino game ends. Ending may occur randomly after each object is chosen, upon all chosen objects resulting in a success, or upon the player choosing a fixed number of objects.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: IGTInventor: Olaf Vancura
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Patent number: 7562873Abstract: The present invention provides new player excitement during the play of a game of chance by providing a controlled random event during the execution of a secondary or bonus round. When bonus game play is invoked during play of the primary game, an amount to be issued during secondary game play is generated. This amount is not awarded directly; instead a plurality of possible winnings is available, each equal to or less than the amount to be issued. A random event separate from the primary game is used to pick one of the plurality of possible winnings which is awarded to a player. The separate random event may be a mechanical event or an electronic event. The difference between the amount given to a player and the original amount to be issued may be used to generate further bonus game play, or may be used to fund a progressive.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Luciano, Jr.
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Patent number: 7563164Abstract: A method executed by a system for playing a lottery includes printing two or more sets of numbers on a ticket. Each set of numbers is randomly-selected by a random number generator program executed by a computer terminal. Each set of numbers forms a row on the ticket and ascends in numerical quantity across the row. Each number in each set of numbers is arranged in a column with a number in another set of numbers. The method further includes determining that the ticket is a winning ticket if a column includes a predetermined number of identical numbers.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Inventor: Salvatore D'Esposito
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Patent number: 7559553Abstract: A lottery ticket including at least one first play area and at least one second play area in which authenticating indicia is printed beneath the scratch-off layer in the second play area and on top of the scratch-off layer in the second play area. If the player decides not to play the second play area, the authenticating indicia on top of the scratch-off layer in the second play area authenticates the lottery ticket and the prize that is won. If the second play area is played, then the authenticating indicia printed below the scratch-off layer is employed as the authenticating indicia.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Oberthur Gaming Technologies, Inc.Inventors: René LaPorte, Benoit Mirandette
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Patent number: 7559840Abstract: A gaming machine includes a secondary or bonus game comprising a mirrored disco ball. Static bonus numerals and alphanumeric LCD or LED displays in combination with the mirrors provide an exciting method of displaying a secondary game award. In response to a preestablished primary game outcome, the player may be given the opportunity to select one or more pointers adjacent the disco ball. The pointers identify which static bonus numerals and alphanumeric LCD or LED displays may be illuminated to ascertain the amount of the secondary game award. The LCD or LED displays are used to display numerals, symbols or other indicia relevant to ascertaining the amount of the secondary award. The disco ball also rotates and emits rays of light in a manner associated with a conventional disco ball and conducive to casino environment. In another version, the disco ball is comprised of an outer spherical chamber and inner spherical chamber. It is further disclosed that the outer chamber may be three independent sections.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Adrenalin Gaming, LLCInventor: Scott D'Avanzo
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Publication number: 20090166968Abstract: An energy cured coating is described that may be used in numerous applications. In one embodiment, for instance, the coating can be used as a seal coat layer in a gaming card. In particular, the coating can be used to protect a hidden printed layer that is covered by a scratch-off material. In accordance with the present disclosure, the cured coating contains at least one monomer or oligomer in combination with a reactive plasticizer. The plasticizer may comprise one or more benzoates.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Kenneth A. Stephens, Andrew W. Killian
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Patent number: 7553230Abstract: An improved number matching game is provided. The game includes a base matching game. A bonus game is played using randomly determined numbers from the base game that are compared to bonus numbers for a first bonus type and compared to bonus numbers for a second bonus type. An award may be provided depending on the outcome of the bonus comparisons. A display is provided to show the matches in a two dimensional or grid arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: IGTInventor: Lee E. Cannon
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Publication number: 20090160129Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: Douglas Press, Inc.Inventors: William Thinnes, James Zalabak, James Bahry
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Patent number: 7549920Abstract: 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: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik, Scott Wolinsky, William B. Van Vooren, Nathaniel Levin, Andrew P. Golden
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Publication number: 20090127779Abstract: A system for playing a game of chance includes a plurality of playing cards, each of the playing cards displaying game symbols thereon. At least some of the plurality of playing cards display an eligible game symbol for participation in bonus levels of play. A master game card is provided for use in conjunction with the playing cards. The master game card includes a plurality of playing areas, each playing area representing a playing level. In each playing area, one or more of the eligible game symbols are included as a bonus level game symbol for the respective level of play. In each successive level of play, more of the eligible game symbols are identified as bonus level game symbols. Cover members conceal the bonus level game symbols prior to play. By opening one of the cover members at each level in turn, a winning one of the eligible game symbols is revealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Dana Robinson
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Publication number: 20090121425Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: Norman G. Berkowitz
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Patent number: 7530570Abstract: A lottery ticket including at least one game area with at least one play area where each play area includes a plurality of play regions with each play region having a first indicia covered by an opaque scratch-off layer and a second indicia appearing above the scratch-off layer. The player removes at least one of the scratch-off layers and if the first indicia appearing in such activated play regions matches any one of the second indicia in a non-activated play region, a prize may be won.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Oberthur Gaming Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James L. Nulph, Rhonda S. Gillen
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Patent number: 7527556Abstract: A method for providing one or more shared-ownership lottery plays using a computer system is provided. Information regarding lottery plays or pools of plays available for shared ownership for a selected game and drawing date is stored A request is received for a shared-ownership lottery play or pool for the selected game and drawing date. The stored information is used to issue an interest in a shared-ownership lottery play or pool in response to the request. Each of the issued shared-ownership lottery plays or pools is selected from the one or more lottery plays or pools available for shared ownership. The ownership of each issued shared-lottery play or pool is assigned an ownership percentage increment of less than 100 percent. A ticket or other receipt represents an ownership percentage in the shared-ownership lottery play or pool equal to the assigned ownership percentage increment.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: PowerPick America, LLCInventors: Andrew R. Amada, Michael D. Lancy
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Publication number: 20090102125Abstract: A game of chance played between a plurality of players, which ensures there can be only one winner. Each player is associated with a set of indicators, and a winner is determined if a set of indicators associated with a player matches a unique set of indicators randomly selected from a pool of possible indicators. For a pool of a given size, the game calculates the unique combinations of a smaller number of indicators that can be generated from the pool. Each player is associated with one or more unique combinations, but each unique combination is associated with one and only one player. Indicators are randomly selected from the pool until all of the indicators in a first unique combination have been selected. The player associated with the first unique combination is the single winner of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Larry Segebarth, Darin L. Peters
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Patent number: 7516568Abstract: A calendar is formed of a plurality of substrates. A first substrate carries indicia thereon which identifies selected time periods, such as days or months of the year. A second substrate is positioned adjacent to the first substrate. The second substrate defines a plurality of cavities dimensioned to individually retain a respective information carrying article, such as a web. Each of the cavities is corresponding supplied with a respective information carrying article. Each indicia on the first substrate is positionally associated with a respective cavity in the second substrate. A third substrate, positioned adjacent to the second substrate, is positioned to retain the information carrying articles releasably within the second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Paul Wightman
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Patent number: 7513827Abstract: A bonus scheme that has more than one and preferably at least three bonus games. Each bonus game provides excitement and enjoyment to the player via creative visual and audio displays. Each bonus game also has its own theme and may or may not be based upon schemes already known in the art of gaming devices. While the individual bonus games are not necessarily related to each other, the overall bonus scheme, preferably in the initial screen, ties the bonus games together in a master theme that provides flexibility for the individual bonus games to have their own themes. The preferred embodiment of the present invention automatically activates the bonus scheme upon a bonus triggering event. The game selects for the player one of three bonus games contained in the bonus scheme. The player plays the selected game and receives an award and the game returns the player to the base game.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: IGTInventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
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Patent number: 7507155Abstract: A gaming device that enables a player to pick at least one of a plurality of selections, wherein at least one of the selections is associated with a terminator. The gaming device determines if the picked selection is associated with a terminator. If the picked selection is not associated with a terminator, the gaming device places the picked selection to occupy a position of a selection group. The gaming device enables the player to pick another one of the selections and again determines if the picked selection is associated with a terminator. If the picked selection is associated with a terminator, the gaming device modifies the position of at least one of the picked selections. After modifying the positions of one or more of the picked selections, the gaming device determines the modified award based on the awards or values associated with the modified positions of the picked selections. The gaming device provides the determined modified award to the player and ends the game.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: IGTInventors: Randall D. Mead, Amy J. Hale, Eric S. Nelson
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Publication number: 20090066020Abstract: A method and apparatus designed to enhance player participation in lotteries includes a redesigned incentive-based lottery play slip with features designed to increase the chances of all players winning at least some prize, thus providing a real incentive to play and increasing revenue from play slip sales. The inventive play slip preferably comprises a permanent card, reusable for an extended period of time, easily marked and accurately read by optical mark readers and then easily cleaned for the next use, and ultimately recyclable. Alternatively, a traditional disposable play slip may be used still incorporating the inventive features of this invention. The inventive play slip bears one or more of am imprinted serial number (12) which belongs only to the purchaser of the card; a large space for advertising (IS); one or more extra playing fields over and above the standard number of fields and a series number (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2006Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: Christopher Miller
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Publication number: 20090061980Abstract: New methods of conducting games are provided that allow for a more interactive experience for the player so as to increase player participation. New methods of conducting a lottery as well as new games (for example, new playing cards) that may be used with such methods are disclosed. Both predetermined and random results may be included in versions of the present inventive methods and, in a preferred embodiment, the new lottery game combines instant results with subsequent results determined by one or more drawings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventors: Charles Holton, Mark G. Meyer
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Patent number: 7490830Abstract: A multiple ticket lottery system in which a player engages in one or more play actions on a first lottery ticket level in order to gain access to a second or higher ticket level in order to win a prize.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Oberthur Gaming Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Benoit Mirandette, Michel Paris, Daniel Lacharite, Myriam Giasson
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Patent number: 7488250Abstract: A gaming device that has an award modification function for player selectable awards that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, a processor controlled gaming device randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. A plurality of modification methods can be employed to individually modify the digits of the award.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva, William J. Bussick
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Patent number: 7485038Abstract: A gaming device having a display with multiple rotating award reels and an award indicator that moves in multiple directions to indicate one of the awards on one of the award reels is provided. In one embodiment, the reels rotate horizontally and in different directions. The indicator resides at the distal end of a member. The member is attached to a base. The base moves at least vertically so that the indicator covers or reaches each rotating award reel. The base can also move horizontally or rotate to change in both X and Y directions. When the indicator and reels stop moving, the indicator points to or indicates an award that is provided to a player as either a primary or bonus award of the gaming device.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: IGTInventors: Markus Rothkranz, Kirk A. Tedsen, Kehl T. LeSourd
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Patent number: 7485037Abstract: The present invention relates to a sporting event based lottery game wherein the lottery game result depends on the performance of competitors in the sporting event and the prize determination process does not involve any comparison among the game tickets. The lottery game authority or player selects a sporting event and determines the rules of the lottery game. The rules and the list of competitors in the sporting event are made available to players. The player may be randomly assigned a plurality of competitors that may perform well under the rules of the lottery game and a ticket with the randomly assigned competitors is issued to the player. As the sporting event progresses, a score is assigned to each competitor according to their performance. At the end of the sporting event, the player computes a score for his ticket and if the score is higher than a predetermined score, the player wins a prize.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventor: Stephen G. Penrice
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Patent number: 7481706Abstract: A novel Keno game is disclosed wherein a player selects up to ten numbers from a field of eighty numbers to be played and these numbers are compared to twenty numbers randomly selected by the game from the same field of numbers in a manner known in the prior art. When the player places one or more conventional bets on the outcome of the game, they now also place one or more side bets as to the number of hits or matches there will be between the player selected numbers and twenty numbers selected by the game computer. The player may place side bets on more than one number of hits or matches to increase their odds of achieving side bet winnings.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Gametech International, Inc..Inventor: Clifford B. Dodge
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Patent number: 7481431Abstract: A scratch-off lottery game card that simulates the rules of the game of Bingo. On the card, there is a first set of game indicia of a first type arranged in a grid that has at least one row of cells having a indicia of a second type with a unique one of the indicia of the second type defining a particular column of the grid. There is a second set of game indicia on the card, each a grouping of one of the first and second type of game indicia such that each defines a potential one of the first type of indicia in a column of cells of the grid of first set of game indicia. A set of prize indicators is adjacent the grid of the first set of game indicia thereby defining a row of the grid and indicating the prize for matching a defined row.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Miller, Jeffrey Martineck, Sr.
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Patent number: 7481432Abstract: A method of playing a poker-type scratch ticket game where a scratch ticket has a plurality of two-card, known, starter hands and five unrevealed community cards. A player reveals the community cards. Each starter hand is combined with the community cards to form complete hands. The player is paid a predetermined amount if any of the complete hands is found in a pay table. Optionally, the predetermined amount is based on the rank of the hand. Optionally, there is more than one set of community cards.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: New Vision Gaming & Development, Inc.Inventor: John Feola
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Patent number: 7464933Abstract: A 3-number bingo game adapted to ensures there can be only a single winner. The numbers from 1 to 75 are divided into fifteen groups of five numbers each. For each group, the unique 3-number combinations of the five numbers taken three at a time are determined and printed on game cards. A single winner is determined if the unique 3-number combination on a player's game card matches a winning set of three numbers randomly determined by the House.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Distinctive Principles, L.L.C.Inventors: Darin L. Peters, Larry Segebarth
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Patent number: 7461842Abstract: A rotary-table game machine composed mainly of a rotary-table device and an index device, the rotary-table device has a rotary table rotated by a first motor; the index device has three index pins arranged to space equiangularly and rotated by a second motor. When in operation, the first motor and the second motor make the rotary table rotate reversely against the index pins; and when in stopping rotation, the three index pins point three different division areas at the periphery of the rotary table. By providing a main control board and a sensing plate in the rotary table, a result is show on a display. Thereby the rotary-table game machine can provide variant ways of playing, the odds of winning are increased; and fun of playing can be increased too.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Inventor: Wei-Hsuan Wu
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Patent number: 7458580Abstract: A lottery game card including a plurality of squares distributed in a matrix format, and a plurality of game indicia initially covered by a removable material. Each squares of the matrix are populated with a game symbol and some of the squares of the matrix are covered by the removable material, forming a Sudoku puzzle. A player may play the Sudoku puzzle using the matrix. The player may remove the removable material from the game indicia and covered squares. If the squares identified by the game indicia form a predefined pattern, a prize is awarded to the player.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Martineck, S. Kyle Rogers, Jennifer M Welshons, Paul Guziel
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Publication number: 20080290596Abstract: A game apparatus and method of playing a game that provides a minimum prize. The game apparatus comprises a game piece, a minimum prize value, an additional prize value and a means to determine the prize. As is described herein, the game is based on common games such as matching items such as characters, numbers, letters, objects or words; playing games such as cards, dice, dominos or crossword puzzles; and instant prizes or any other method of providing a prize. Embodiments of the game apparatus and methods include printed game pieces and printed prize determining means as well as processor based embodiments and combinations of printed and processor based embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: Gregory S. Bogle
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Patent number: 7455323Abstract: A lottery ticket having a substrate layer with game data printed in a game area and which is arranged to prevent access to the game data from a rear surface of the substrate and has at least one fixing layer applied over the game data in the game area so as to prevent release of the printed game data from the substrate layer and at least one opaque scratch-off layer applied over the sealing layer, the scratch-off layer being arranged such that it separates from the sealing layer and breaks down into fragments when scratched by a player, is modified by the addition of an adhesive layer applied over at least a part of the opaque scratch-off layer and a metal layer attached to the adhesive layer. The metal layer and the adhesive layer are arranged such that they break down into fragments with the scratch-off layer when scratched by the player and may provide both enhanced security and an improved appearance.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Pollard Banknote Limited PartnershipInventors: Brett Charles Taylor, Tyson D. Kaus, Michael John Brickwood, Greg Hamilton, Lyle Harold Scrymgeour
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Patent number: 7455586Abstract: A gaming method includes receiving a first wager from a player, displaying a first image representing a game, determining a first outcome associated with the game, and determining a first payout according to the first outcome and a first paytable. The gaming method also includes determining if a brand-association event has occurred, selecting a brand if the brand-association event has occurred, using a second paytable if the brand-association event has occurred, the second paytable including at least one payout associated with the selected brand, receiving a second wager from the player, displaying a second image representing a game, determining a second outcome associated with the game, and determining a second payout according to the second outcome and the second paytable, the second payout comprising the at least one payout associated with the selected brand.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
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Publication number: 20080272541Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, James A. Jarasch, Scott T. Friesen
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Publication number: 20080252003Abstract: A game of chance playable by two or more players and a method of playing the game, the game of chance comprising a gaming ticket (2) including removable first portions (8) removable by a first player to reveal first indicia and removable second portions (10) removable by a second player to reveal second indicia, wherein the first and second players compete against each other by removing the respective removable first indicia until a winner of the game is determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2005Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: GOLDEN CASKET LOTTERY CORPORATION LIMITEDInventors: Nicola Jane Mahar, Rachel King, Lisa Waugh, Ben Allen
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Patent number: 7435174Abstract: A gaming device and method having a pick reduction game. Initially, a plurality of first selections are displayed to the player. A number of picks is displayed to the player where the number of picks is greater than the number of first selections. The player uses the number of picks to pick first selections until the player picks a trigger selection. The number of picks are reduced after each pick by the player. When the player picks the trigger selection, the gaming device displays a plurality of second selections to the player. Each of the second selections is associated with an award. The player picks second selections and receives awards for each picked second selection until there are no picks remaining.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Megan N. Schlegel, Randall D. Mead
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Patent number: 7431295Abstract: A lottery ticket has printed thereon a matrix of nine rows and nine columns defining eighty one locations some of which are pre-marked with numbers from 1 to 9 and is arranged such that the player can select and enter the numbers in open locations to provide an arrangement of the numbers in which the marked locations and the open locations contain a number selected from the numbers 1 to 9 where all columns and all rows have the nine locations thereof each containing one of the numbers 1 to 9 with each number appearing once only. Prizes are awarded, according to a set of rules relating to the lottery ticket, depending on the appearance of at least one of the numbers in at least one of the locations or depending on the total number of correct rows or columns or other matrix shape of nine locations.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Pollard Banknote Limited PartnershipInventors: Lyle Harold Scrymgeour, Jevne Scott, Douglas Pollard, Brad Thompson, Julie-Anne McCallum
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Patent number: 7431301Abstract: Tools and techniques are provided for creating nonrandom notable patterns in elements of games of chance which are traditionally random and hence lack such patterns. Players are notified of the existence of such patterns. When a player detects a pattern, the player may act on it to the player's advantage. Play may be monitored to determine whether a pattern has been detected by a player. Player rewards may be limited by a reward threshold, based on amounts wagered by the individual player and possibly other players. Play may be monitored to detect undesired play by software bots.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventor: John W. Ogilvie
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Patent number: 7429044Abstract: A scratch-ticket game card simulating a instant Texas Hold'Em Poker game card with multiple chances of winning for a player. The instant game card includes plurality sets of player hands and a set of opponent hands, a set of community cards, and at least two prizes. The player can combine the set of community cards with each set of player hands to form a strongest hand for that set of player hands. The strongest hand for each set of player hands is compared against the strongest hand for the opponent hand. If the player wins, the player wins the prize associated with the winning player hand.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventor: James M. O'Brien
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Patent number: 7427067Abstract: A method of playing a poker-type keno game that has a plurality of two-card, revealed, starter hands and five unrevealed community cards. A player wagers on one or more starter hands, after which the community cards are revealed. Each starter hand is combined with all of the community cards to form complete hands. The player is paid a payout amount if the highest ranked complete hand that has been wagered on is found in a pay table that corresponds to the hand. Optionally, the hands and payout amounts in the pay table are based on the odds of achieving ranked hands. Optionally, there are multiple sets of community cards.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: New Vision Gaming & Development, Inc.Inventor: John Feola
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Patent number: 7413512Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a housing, a display unit, a value input device, a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The housing may include a first opening, a second opening and one or more light sources positioned around the second opening. The controller may be operatively coupled to the light sources. The display unit may be positioned relative to the housing so that a first portion of the display unit is visible through the first opening and the second portion of the display unit is visible through the second opening. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to cause the display unit to generate a first display on the first portion of the display unit, to cause the display unit to generate a second display on the second portion of the display unit, to cause the light sources to emit light when the second display is generated, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Richard L. Wilder, Christian E. Gadda
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Patent number: 7410168Abstract: A lottery instant win game card simulating a Hold'Em Poker styled card game with multiple chances of winning for a player. The instant game card includes at least two sets of player hands and at least two sets of opponent hands, with at least two sets of community cards, and at least two prizes. The player can combine one set of the player hands with either set of community cards to form a strongest hand for that set of player hands. The strongest player hand is compared against the strongest opponent hand. If the player wins, the player wins the prize associated with that winning player hand.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventor: Anthony G. Gumina
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Patent number: 7410417Abstract: A method of playing a poker-type keno game where a player wagers on a game that has two cards revealed in each of a plurality of hands. The player wagers on one or more of the hands. Five community cards are revealed and are part of each hand. The winning hand is determined by comparing the best five cards of each hand to each other and/or to a pay table. Optionally, the player can wager on a bonus hand comprised of a subset of the community cards.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: New Vision Gaming & Development, Inc.Inventor: John Feola
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Publication number: 20080174068Abstract: A method for conducting a lottery that offers players who lose the opportunity to use their losing lottery tickets to enter one or more additional lotteries, a replay program.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Travis York, Patrick Griffin
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Patent number: 7402103Abstract: A gaming device including a free spins game displaying a plurality of reels including a plurality of symbols where the symbols include a plurality of award symbols and at least one target symbol. A plurality of selections including at least one game function are displayed to a player. In a game, the gaming device provides the player with a plurality of free spins of the reels. In each free spin, the gaming device provides the player with an award or awards for any award symbols or combinations of award symbols indicated on the reels. In addition, the gaming device provides the player with one or more picks of the selections for each target symbol indicated on the reels. The gaming device then determines the game function or game functions associated with the picked selections in each free spin. A total award based on the awards and game functions is provided to the player.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: IGTInventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
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Patent number: 7399226Abstract: A gaming apparatus has the ability to provide multiple winning events in a single play of an event. The apparatus may have a housing with a microprocessor, a first gaming display that displays at least one symbol from a first set of symbols, wherein predetermined symbol displays provide a first award. There is also a second gaming display that coincidently displays at least one separate symbol selected from among symbols within the first set of symbols. The gaming apparatus awards a second prize when the at least one separate symbol matches at least one symbol from among the symbol or symbols displayed in the first gaming display. The display for the second set of symbols is preferably active while the first gaming display is actively presenting the first set of symbols.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: IGTInventor: Kunal Mishra
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Publication number: 20080164654Abstract: A gaming method allows players to predict and place a wager about the future arrival of an elevator car at the floor of a building. If the player's prediction is correct, the player receives a payoff. The method can be played in buildings having one or more elevators. In an embodiment of the invention, a self-service automated gaming machine accommodates making the prediction, placing the wager, and receiving the payoff.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Roger E. Skoff, Michael D. Riley
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Publication number: 20080157467Abstract: A system for facilitating participation in rewards arising from the outcome of a competitive event, including at least one computer server carrying a share issuance website accessible via a computer network. On request by one or more participants, the website issues shares to the said one or more participants from a set of shares in each of a plurality of players or teams who are to compete in a competitive event. After completion of the competitive event, the website issues a dividend to each of the participants who at a defined point in time hold shares in the player or team who has won the competitive event, which dividend is in proportion to the number of shares in the player or team held by the respective participants.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Joseph Hachem, Andrew Neophitou, Harvey Silver
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Patent number: 7393280Abstract: A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: IGTInventor: Lee E. Cannon
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Patent number: 7377512Abstract: A lottery ticket is printed onto a conventional paper, card or similar substrate to provide game information printed on the substrate and game data printed on the substrate where some or all of the game data is covered by a removable covering which can be removed by the player generally by scratching a latex covering layer to expose the covered data for playing the game. In addition, a battery is printed on the substrate together with printed conductive paths, a powered element such lights or sound or a changeable ink formed on the substrate and a switch responsive to an action on the substrate by the player, generally scratching of the covering layer for conducting power from the battery to the powered element.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Pollard Banknote Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael John Brickwood, Lyle Harold Scrymgeour
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Patent number: 7371172Abstract: A slot machine includes a reel assembly which has a transparent outer reel and a translucent inner reel disposed coaxially within the outer reel. The outer and inner reels are provided with first exterior surfaces on their periphery, and with second exterior surfaces on their side surfaces. The outer and inner reels are driven independently by a respective motor. In performing a first game, the side surfaces are horizontal so that first outer symbols and first inner symbols carried on each of the first exterior surfaces may be observable. In performing a second game, the side surfaces are perpendicular so that second outer symbols and second inner symbols carried on each of the second exterior surfaces may be observable. Symbol combinations are produced by synthesizing the symbols on the outer reel and the symbols on the inner reel.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: IGTInventor: Haruo Inoue