Abstract: The present invention provides a programmable electronic activity detector and command generator for electronic devices, particularly a casino gaming device, which includes at least one read-only detection device such as an optic isolator, which is adapted for connection to an electronic apparatus, the read-only detection device operative to detect selected event occurrences on an electronic apparatus and output event occurrence notification signals upon detection of an event. An event detection sampling device is connected in information transmission connection with the read-only detection means, the event detection sampling device operative to detect and receive event occurrence notification signals from the detection devices, analyze the received event occurrence notification signals and output event occurrence information signals including information specifying event occurrences.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a standard gaming unit, e.g., three reels, and a discernible additional payout indicator, e.g., a rotatable wheel. A preferred bonus payout indicator is clearly visible by the player and is actuatable when the reels of the slot machine stop on certain predetermined indicia. A preferred embodiment further comprises a payout multiplier which displays a plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting the position of an object of a movable member and, In particular, for detection the position of a ball in a moving roulette wheel which has a light source for emitting visible light which is modulated. A sensor is provided to receive reflections of the emitted modulated light from the ball and the moving roulette wheel. The reflections are analyzed to determine the position of the member and the location of the objection in relation thereto. The light source can transmit light and the sensor can detect specific similarly modulated wavelengths which are predetrmined dependent upon the relative chrominance of the number ring and the pocket ring of the wheel.

Abstract: A rotatable playing surface amusement game which is automatically controlled by a microprocessor which includes a rotatable object and a segmented substantially circular rotatable playing surface surrounded by a race and means for accelerating the rotatable object onto a race with sufficient centrifugal force as to maintain the rotatable object in the race for a predetermined period of time which upon a timed or player input results in the stopping of the substantially circular rotating playing surface alone or together with the race which may also be rotatable while the rotatable object continues to rotate in the race held by centrifugal force until gravity and inertia result in the return of the rotatable object back onto the rotatable playing surface and coming to rest on a particular segment.

Abstract: A roulette game including a progressive jackpot includes a plurality of coin acceptors to enable players to place an optional progressive jackpot wager. Players place game wagers on a numbered layout imprinted on a table surface by using different colored chips assigned to each player. A control system includes an optical sensor head for detecting the speed and position of the ball in the roulette wheel, as well as the number of revolutions of the wheel. The control system displays on an electronic sign a progressive jackpot amount, winning numbers, and a random bonus jackpot. Players win the progressive jackpot by betting on the same winning number four times in a row. The electronic control system of the game, in conjunction with a dealer console, maintains an accounting of wagers placed, winning numbers, and amounts paid. The apparatus also includes a sound system for generating various sound effects at different stages of the game to enhance player excitement and appeal.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: An automated roulette device is provided with a central processor and at least one player console having interactive controls and visual displays for placing bets and controlling the speed and moment of release of a ball from a launching mechanism onto a spinning roulette wheel. Wagering credits are calculated from cash deposited through a bill validator mechanism, as well as winning bets throughout play, as determined by the central processor. Additional bets can be placed on a jackpot, the winning of which is determined by a random generator. Upon terminating play by actuating a cash-out control on the player console, a printer dispenses a receipt having a redemption value equal to the remaining wagering credit available upon termination of play.

Abstract: A playing board is arranged to include an annular array of first spaces, with a central space, with the organization further including a deck of bridge-type cards, including a joker as well as a number of playing chips to be distributed among the players in an equal quantity. A dealer distributes a plurality of playing hands to each of the players and the players in sequence place chips upon each of the individual first through tenth playing spaces relative to each hand, wherein each hand is initially indicated by a sequential playing of the first through ninth spaces, where subsequently, a game similar to Rummy is played, wherein sequencing of cards is effected and subsequently poker-like hands are played, wherein the object of the game is to finally effect discard of playing cards, with a winner being decided by the first player to discard all cards and thereby obtain all remaining chips within the central space of the game board.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: In a coin operated amusement device, an inclined track is provided to receive a rolling coin. A rotating wheel is positioned adjacent the lower end of the track. The wheel is rotated at a constant low speed and defines payoff positions distributed around the wheel. Payoffs to the player are provided when a coin passes by the wheel in the track opposite a payoff position.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus (21) for play of a poker card game. The apparatus (21) includes a display assembly (22) having a plurality of card spaces (23) each representing one card in a deck of cards, preferably arranged in a wheel of fortune array. A plurality of lights (26) are positioned in the display for individually identifying each of the card spaces (23) upon lighting of the lights (26). Game control apparatus (28) including a random sequence generator (29) electrically connected to momentarily illuminate the lights (26) in a continuing random sequence so that the cards (23) are individually identified one after another in the random sequence. A user actuatable input selection button (33) is electrically connected to the game control (28) for interrupting the continuously random sequence to effect a card selection by continuously lighting the next light (26) to be lit in the random sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a game apparatus for playing poker and similar card games, including a playing table having a plurality of images which may be selectively lit to indicate winning bets, an indicator board to indicate identified cards, and a switchboard for controlling the playing table. Also disclosed are a plurality of rotatable wheels driven by an electric motor and a plurality of different size sprockets connected to the electric motor by a series of chains, whereby the plurality of rotatable wheels may be simultaneously driven at different speeds of rotation. The rotatable wheels include a large wheel having randomly selected images of a complete deck of cards plus a Joker, the suits being arranged to alternate a red and a black card, and four smaller wheels mounted on the large wheel and having randomly selected images of thirteen cards from a second deck, the suits being arranged in a manner similar to the large wheel. Spring markers cooperate with pins on said wheel to identify selected cards.

Abstract: A roulette playing device includes a hitting device for releasing a ball onto a circular runway which comprises a first rotatable roller disposed upstream of an outlet, a second rotatable roller opposed to the first roller and spaced therefrom by a distance smaller than the diameter of the ball, and a driver for rotating the first and the second rollers in opposite direction to each other. Such arrangement makes it easy to spin and release the ball and to control the spin of the ball. A release device for feeding a ball to the hitting device comprises a blower for sending forth air to the outlet through a release passage upstream of the outlet, and a feeder for feeding balls one by one to the release passage. Such arrangement enables the ball released on the circular runway to be accelerated thereon.

Abstract: A roulette playing device includes a hitting device for releasing a ball onto a circular runway which comprises a first rotatable roller disposed upstream of an outlet, a second rotatable roller opposed to the first roller and spaced therefrom by a distance smaller than the diameter of the ball, and a driver for rotating the first and the second rollers in opposite direction to each other. Such arrangement makes it easy to spin and release the ball and to control the spin of the ball. A release device for feeding a ball to the hitting device comprises a blower for sending forth air to the outlet through a release passage upstream of the outlet, and a feeder for feeding balls one by one to the release passage. Such arrangement enables the ball released on the circular runway to be accelerated thereon.

Abstract: A roulette playing device comprises a release opening for releasing a ball. The opening is formed in a circular wall at a position higher than the level where the ball runs on the outermost circumference thereof. The circular wall is preferably tilted from a vertical plane toward a roulette wheel. Such an arrangement prevents the ball from running astray and dropping into the release opening. The roulette playing device further comprises ball sensors for detecting the ball running on the circular runway, an average speed detector for detecting the time the ball takes to run between two of the ball sensors, and a control device for outputting an instruction for prohibiting any more betting when the detected value by the speed detector reaches a preset value. Such an arrangement enables the behavior of the ball to be detected accurately and NO BETTING operation to be timed stably, whereby roulette games are made more amusing.

Abstract: An electronic implementation of the roulette wheel and the associate layout which provides electronic selection and automatic recognition and illumination of winning numbers and bets.

Abstract: A roulette apparatus has a table, a roulette wheel mounted to spin about a vertical axis with respect to the table, the wheel having a plurality of ball receptor cups at the periphery thereof and having a hub portion and a rim portion. The hub and rim portions are displaceable axially with respect to each other between a "play" position and a "return" position, for forming a gap between the hub portion and the rim portion when the hub and rim portions are in the "return" position. A return channel is provided beneath the wheel, whereby when a ball has been projected onto the spinning wheel and has fallen into one of the cups, and the hub and rim portions have been displaced to the "return" position, the ball rolls from the cup into which it has fallen, rolls through the gap, and then falls to the return channel.

Abstract: A roulette for gaming, provided with a set of control and game choice displays, which includes a motor for spinning the body of the roulette where the ball rolls, and doing so at a speed that is capable of alteration, so that the ball is ejected from one slot and becomes lodged in another at random, and which furthermore includes sensors for detecting the position of the ball, for comparing it with the position staked, and for awarding a prize in the event of both being the same.

Abstract: The electronic roulette comprises, in a box-like body, a roulette wheel, including a plurality of numbered sectors, an electric motor for driving it, launching assembly to be operated by the player to launch a ball into the roulette wheel, a playing selecting keyboard to be actuated by the player for defining the stake value, and a ball position sensing optical encoder for sensing the position of the ball on the roulette wheel, an inlet channel for introducing tokens in order to set the stake value, a token supplying hopper for supplying a predetermined number of tokens in the case of a win by the player, and a microprocessor circuit operatively coupled to all of the mentioned elements to control them.

Abstract: A roulette game is modified by electronic circuitry, including a microprocessor, to determine which one of a set of numbered, red or black compartments receives a ball and displays the play results via a lighted, marked roulette table upon which stakes are placed. The invention includes light emitting sensors that are placed beneath the roulette wheel, each compartment of which has an aperture formed therein, to monitor the compartment by detecting light passing through the apertures. Timing marks placed on the wheel are monitored by detector circuitry to determine the direction of rotation and angular rotation of the wheel, relative to a predetermined position. A microprocessor receives the information provided by the sensors and detector circuitry to determine which compartment received the ball, calculates winning wagers, and illuminates the corresponding spaces of the roulette table to inform players of the results.

Abstract: A toy amusement device including a rotatable disc and a magnetizable gameboard for receiving a plurality of magnetic pegs which are moved sequentially on a gridwork printed on the gameboard in response to a corresponding indication provided by the rest position of the disc. The disc is rotated by an electric motor operated by a push button switch. Interposed between the motor and disc is a ball-bearing wheel having an outer race drivingly connected to the disc for continuing the rotation of the disc after the switch is opened to increase the chance factor involved in determining the rest position of the disc.

Abstract: The token return assembly cooperates with an amusement apparatus formed of a token supply receptacle with a latchable lower portion and containing a vacuum supply unit; a rotating drum positioned on a base disposed below the receptacle, has openings for receiving tokens, as they fall from the receptacle caused by movement of the lower portion of the receptacle; an associated display panel electrically connected to switches below the openings, corresponding to positions of the tokens in the respective openings, the display being energized through the closing of normally open switch contacts by action with respective tokens. The switches, mounted on movable support plates associated with solenoids within the lower portion of the drum, on actuation of the solenoids by the player activating a token return switch, are withdrawn from the openings. The tokens, falling into an inclined channel which leads to a conduit are returned to the receptacle by vacuum suction.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus to be played by several players, having as many playing stations as there are players. Each of the players participates by recordable and measurable action on his part with winning scores determined by a predefined risk-reward schedule. The playing stations are independently operable by each player to produce respective output signals that are intergradable with one another. Individual playing stations are formed of a base member having a first receptacle mounted above the base member provided with a plurality of predefined valued positions, each position being capable of receiving a token i.e. a ball, set in motion thereto by a player. A second receptacle depending from a frame positioned above the first receptacle initially positions the token above the first receptacle. Each player is provided with a release member for causing the token to be dropped out of the second receptacle and into the first receptacle.

Abstract: A game for simulating the play of football to be played by at least two opposing players wherein an action sled is movably mounted adjacent a playing field board which simulates a football field and is movable along the length of the board, the action sled having devices therewith provided for selecting the type of play and the direction of the play of each of the opposing players for their respective offensive and defensive simulated football plays and including a mechanism for randomly selecting penalty and non penalty situations for either of the opposing players during each simulated football play. A further feature includes a timing device for signalling the expiration of intervals of time. A further feature includes a random selection device having a rotatable head mounted on an upstanding base portion wherein a movable element is disposed within a cavity formed within the head to be randomly moved about to a plurality of positions in the cavity by rotation of the head.