Abstract: A substrate for playing a community poker-type card game having a seven card layout in a Z-pattern of a first row of three card frames, a second row of one single card frame, and a third row of three card frames. The first row may include a card number 1 spot, 2 spot, and a 3 spot. The second row may include a card number 4 spot that is positioned directly below the card number 2 spot. The third row may include a card number 5 spot, a 6 spot, and a 7 spot. The Z-pattern may be defined by the card number 5 spot being below the card number 1 spot, the card number 6 spot being below the card number 2 spot and directly below the card number 4 spot, and the card number 7 spot being below the card number 3 spot.

Abstract: Systems and methods of conducting wagering games involving, among other things, a modified Blackjack wagering game in which a card in a player hand may be exchanged with a card in the dealer hand.

Abstract: In a wagering event based on dealer versus player poker ranks, initial player hand card ranks or combinations qualify a player for a value-enhancement activity that carries through to conclusion of the wagering event as a wager enhancement. The value-enhancement activity may include a non-redeemable marker placed adjacent to at least one wager, the value of which wager is increased or multiplied by the marker.

Abstract: A system enables a method of executing a game of baccarat with a side bet event. The system includes a gaming table with at least two distinct player positions. The gaming table having positions thereon for placing an initial wager on the game of baccarat and for placing a second wager on the side bet event from at least one of at least two player positions at the gaming table on the game of baccarat, the side bet resolved by final playing cards at the player hand position and the banker hand position. Each of the at least two player positions has a secondary random outcome indicator display. The gaming table has a random event generator providing distinct random event outcome indicators to the secondary random outcome indicator displays at each player position and each distinct random event outcome indicator represents a single digit number value.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for location-triggered remote dispensing device activation. Various types of dispensing devices as described herein, for example, may be triggered to provide output goods or services based upon location-based data of a user of a centralized system. In some embodiments, such remote dispensing device activation may be conducted in a manner that is less taxing on memory, data processing, and/or network communications bandwidth than previously known or practicable. In some cases, the dispensed goods/services may be provided via remote dispensing in response to location-specific data pursuant to variable game results.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for transferring funds from a financial institution account to a cashless wagering account and then to an electronic gaming machine without utilizing any physical forms of currency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth for playing a token collecting game based upon Blackjack. Using a card reading device the dealer completes their hand first according to the rules based on Blackjack before the players have to act. The card reading device reads the cards of the dealer's hand and instructs the dealer whether to draw another card for the dealer hand until the dealer's hand is completed. Thereafter the players compete their hands armed with the knowledge of the exposed card of the dealer's initial two-card hand and the number, but not the values of, cards required to complete the dealer's hand. After the players have completed their hands each player's hand is resolved against the dealer according to the rules of Blackjack.

Abstract: A learning game platform, system and method, for an electronic device executing an app comprises a server for reading medium and storing user information and games, scores, and user progress within a play and learn app platform. The server communicates through the Internet with electronic devices having Internet access operated by at least one player. Registration means allows the player to register with and logon to the play and learn app. Preference selection means enables the player ability to enter user preferences, including age, game selection, skill level. Performance review means determines strength and weaknesses of the player. The platform provides a plethora of game play variations to facilitate learning in a fun inclusive manner.

Abstract: Gaming devices and systems are configured to present a game in which players place a game wager on either a banker hand or a player hand. Initial two card player and banker hands are dealt, and if either or both comprise a blackjack, the outcome of the game and associated wagers is resolved relative to those initial hands. If not, final banker and player hands are completed based upon predefined rules. The outcome of the game and the associated game wagers are then resolved relative to those final hands. In one embodiment, the final hands are resolved in similar fashion to a blackjack game with the winning hand being the one with a point total closest to 21 without going over. One or more side bets may also be available to each player.

Abstract: A computer-implemented platform and associated method for conducting a competitive poker-based event, for example, in the form of a league of teams each made up of individual team players, incorporates a unique and unconventional methodology of resetting competitor chip stack sizes prior to the commencement of each dealt hand, such that each player begins each new hand with an identical total chip stack unit value. Players may participate remotely via portable electronic devices. Player rankings are determined based upon a unique skill set including statistical variables such as match success rate, uncontested chips accrued, and equity quotient. Competitive matches incorporate a unique event format featuring predefined time intervals (i.e. Quarters) and a betting time clock limiting a competitor's time to act when action is on that player. Events may be broadcasted over the Internet as well as via a television network.

Abstract: A method of playing and presenting a game, such as at an electronic gaming device, offers players the opportunity for multi-tier wagering and side or proposition bets. In one embodiment a card game offers an ante, secondary, tertiary and quaternary wagering options on a player hand against a dealer hand and proposition bets on the player and/or dealer hands. The game may comprise a card game in which initial cards are dealt to each player and the dealer and then community flop, river and turn cards are dealt, with each player and the dealer forming a best five card poker hand from seven cards.

Abstract: In one implementation, an electronic gaming system includes: a plurality of physical playing cards that are dealt by an automated or human dealer; a scanner that is configured to identify each physical playing card of the plurality of physical playing cards as they are dealt; a plurality of player computing devices that are configured to provide individualized gaming interfaces for a plurality of players; and a gaming computing device that is communicably connected to the scanner and the plurality of player computing devices. The gaming computing device may select different sets of dealt cards to provide different types of games to players at different ones of the gaming computing devices.

Abstract: Methods of playing commission-free pai gow poker games are disclosed. The commission-free pai gow poker games have multiple features, including a novel push mechanism and a novel copy-fostering mechanism, that provide a gaming establishment with an adequate house edge without the need to charge a commission on player wins. The features of the commission-free pai gow poker games may be incorporated in one or more instruction sets or software configured in one or more mechanical devices and/or electronic devices. Furthermore, the features may be configured in one or more displays in communication with one or more servers as desired. Furthermore, the commission-free pai gow poker games may be offered in a non-gaming media environment as desired.

Abstract: In the present invention, a player makes a basic bet, chooses whether to make an additional bet on an additional bet element, and executes, by utilizing a control unit, the following steps: allocating a fixed proportion of an amount of the basic bet and an amount of the additional bet to be accumulated into a payoff value; choosing to perform an additional raising game flow or a basic game flow according to the presence or absence of the additional bet; in the absence of the additional bet, performing, by the control unit, the basic game flow to generate a basic payment value; in the presence of the additional bet, performing, by the control unit, the additional raising game flow to generate an additional raising payment value; and when a game result generated by a game host conforms to the bet of a player, giving the value to the player.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for increasing potential payout opportunities using multiple card indicia representing multiple cards. One embodiment involves determining whether any one or more of a plurality of cards of a poker game having multiple poker hands are to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia representing multiple cards, presenting the plurality of cards of the poker hands, including the one or more of the plurality of cards determined to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia, and identifying a plurality of resulting hands for each of the multiple poker hands that include a multiple card indicia, where each of the plurality of resulting hands includes a different subset of a total of the indicia of the other cards in the respective poker hand and any cards provided with multiple card indicia.

Abstract: Methods for providing gaming advice are provided. For example, regarding a blackjack game, one or more first player cards are identified for a first player and one or more second player cards are identified for a second player. The first and second player cards are displayed to the first player. A probability associated with a first one of the plurality of playing options is determined based at least on a set of predetermined statistical blackjack data, the one or more first player cards, and the one or more second player cards. It is then determined, based at least on the determined probability associated with the first playing option, whether to display a first indication corresponding with first advice regarding the first playing option, a second indication corresponding with second advice regarding the first playing option, or a third indication corresponding with third advice regarding the first playing option.

Abstract: A fraud detection system which detects fraud in a game of performing collection and redemption of chips in accordance with a win or lose result includes a camera which captures an image of chips contained in a chip tray of a dealer, an image analyzing apparatus which analyses the image captured by the camera to detect an amount of the chips contained in the chip tray, a card distribution device which determines a win or lose result of a game, and a control device which compares the win or lose result of the game and the amount of the chips contained in the chip tray before and after collection and redemption of the chips to detect fraud.

Abstract: A blackjack game provides a side bet that the cards dealt to form the dealer's hand will match one of a predetermined set of winning poker hands. A blackjack hand is dealt to the player and a dealer, wherein each hand comprises a plurality of cards. The outcome of the blackjack hand is determined according to blackjack rules. The cards in the dealer's hand are then arranged to form a poker hand. Furthermore, the dealer's poker hand may be modified using cards selected from the player's hand into the dealer's hand to form the poker hand. Modification can be by substitution or addition of cards from the player's hand. The player wins the side bet if the dealer's poker hand matches one of a set of predetermined poker hands.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a secondary player may make a bet that pays based on aggregate data from multiple games of primary players.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for online and/or electronic card games such as blackjack that allow at least one card to be dealt from a special deck (e.g., a restricted deck) into a hand, while the remainder of the cards for that hand (and, in some embodiments, other hands involved in the game event) are dealt from a main/conventional deck. In accordance with some embodiments, the at least one card dealt from the special deck is dealt into a hand of the player while in other embodiments it is dealt into the hand of a dealer and/or an opponent player. A special deck may be a deck that includes cards configured to provide an advantage to the player (e.g., in a blackjack game, restricted deck may only include high value cards if being used for a player hand or only low value cards if being used for a dealer hand).

Abstract: A system for allowing players to play a plurality of games is described herein. The system includes a display device for displaying games to a player and a controller that is coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to display at least one of a first game and a second game on the display device, receive an image of a physical gaming table, and display the gaming table on the display device. The controller receives a signal indicative of a first player hand being dealt by the dealer, receives a signal indicative of a second player hand being dealt by the dealer, determines a first outcome of the first game as a function of the first player hand, and determines a second outcome of the second game as a function of the second player hand.

Abstract: An electronic gaming system includes a progressive system server configured to establish a tiered plurality of progressive jackpots that includes a first jackpot increasable a first cap value, a second jackpot increasable to a second cap value greater than the first cap value, and at least one intermediate jackpot increasable to at least one intermediate cap value greater than the first cap value and less than the second cap value. The progressive system server is further configured to allocate portions of player wagers to one of i) the first jackpot, ii) the at least one intermediate jackpot, and iii) the second jackpot, whereby the first jackpot is initially incrementally increased to the first cap value, the at least one intermediate jackpot is next incrementally increased to the at least one intermediate cap value, and the second jackpot is next incrementally increased to the second cap value.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a competitive wagering domino event using a physical or virtual play surface having positions for from 2-4 players, 28 standard domino tiles and a play rotation sign that is reversible to indicate direction of play in player order for each game executed on the play surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a secondary contest involving a plurality of players playing a primary award wagering game. The players enter wagers in the primary game, and the results from the primary wagering game determine the outcome of a secondary pari-mutuel contest in which players compete against each other. The results from the primary wagering game resolve the secondary contest where the highest ranking results will win the wagers placed in the secondary contest on a tiered basis.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses of and for playing electronic or electro-mechanical wager gaming devices, including a player interface, of and for playing a poker and “video poker” type game based at least in part upon card-deck games such as but not limited to poker. The methods, systems and apparatuses include a plurality of configurations with multiple rule sets to facilitate the inducement and build game player excitement.

Abstract: An improved apparatus, system and method for presenting multiple systems, games, and/or services on a common Player Interface, for example, any component or components of a gaming system, including an electronic or technologic aid—including, but not limited to terminals, player stations, handhelds, fixed units, etc.—that directly enables player interaction in a game, and create, monitor, translate, record, and communicate data such as accounting information, player transactions, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a card game including a player v. dealer arrangement involving a comparison of HI and LO hand values. Players declare a three-card hand as either HI or LO and a dealer forms three-card LO and HI hands using five cards with a shared card being used in both the LO and HI hand. Aces have a value of 1 point when used in a LO hand and 11 when used in a HI hand, face cards have a value of 0 points and cards 2 through 10 have values matching their rank. Match and poker bonus features may also be incorporated.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a wagering game with a transforming card feature, wherein thee gaming system initiates a play of a wagering game responsive to receipt of a game-initiation input and determines whether a transforming card triggering event occurred. Responsive to determining that the transforming card triggering event occurred, the gaming system determines and displays a player hand including multiple non-transforming cards selected from a set of non-transforming cards and at least one transforming card.

Abstract: The present invention is a program for causing an electronic device having a display unit and a contact-type position input unit to execute displaying a screen including objects associated with events on the display unit; detecting, in the case where a touch on the contact-type position input unit is detected and two or more objects are located within a predetermined distance from the detected touched coordinates; selecting candidate objects in the case where the touch is detected, the candidate objects being the two or more objects located within the predetermined distance from the detected touched coordinates; determining weights relating to the occurrence of individual candidate events, the candidate events being events associated with the individual selected candidate objects, on the basis of the candidate events, a sequence of events executed immediately before, and event history information; and executing or presenting the candidate event having the highest weight.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a gaming device having oversized symbols in the play matrix. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a gaming apparatus having an improved game play comprising oversized symbols in the play matrix, and methods of administering, operating and playing the same in wagering and non-wagering applications. In one embodiment of the present invention, a game comprises a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions; a plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reels, the plurality of symbols including an oversized symbol occupying at least a plurality of symbol positions; and predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations including the oversized symbol, wherein the predetermined winning symbol combination is associated with an award.

Abstract: A card includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface has a first surface area. The card also includes an image area on the first surface. The image area has a second surface area less than the first surface area. The cars further includes a contrast region between the image area and an edge of the substrate. The contrast region is a solid border surrounding the image area. The card additionally includes a plurality of markings extending from the contrast region into the image area. Each marking of the plurality of markings arranged in a pattern such that the markings of the plurality of markings are separated from one another by a portion of the image area.

Abstract: A casino management networked computer system is described. The networked computer system includes a database server computer and an application server computer coupled to the database server computer and to a plurality of gaming devices. The database server processor is programmed to generate and store a program file including a patron logic matrix that includes data records of patron ranking information included in the spreadsheet. Each data record includes a market definition value, a patron ranking value, a theoretical loss value, and a comp reinvestment data. The application processor is programmed to calculate patron comp point values based on the comp reinvestment data and patron wager data included in a patron data record.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing winning result opportunities in poker gaming activities. Embodiments involve identifying award-enhancing opportunities using dice to determine award-enhancing opportunities based on the dice results for a poker game played on a gaming device. Award-enhancing opportunities can be accumulated during multiple bonus rounds, or single bonus rolls of dice may be used to determine multipliers or other modifiers to enhance awards received in the poker games.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing an additional award opportunity triggerable based on the initially dealt cards of a card game. Generally, for a play of the card game, the gaming system randomly determines and displays an initial hand of cards. If the initial hand of cards satisfies an additional award opportunity condition, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity by randomly determining and providing one of a plurality of bonus awards.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for electronic gaming are disclosed. In a first aspect, a method may include generating a plurality of reel strips, where each reel strip includes a plurality of symbol display positions, and where each of the plurality of symbol display positions has a width and a height. The method may further include adding a first oversized symbol to two of the plurality of reel strips, where the first oversized symbol has an oversized width that is at least twice the width of a symbol display position. The method may further include adding a plurality of symbols to the plurality of reel strips generating a game outcome based upon the first oversized symbol and the plurality of symbols, and generating game award based upon the game outcome.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a wagering event includes a player position wager; a single random playing card symbol to the player position; a single random playing card symbol to a dealer position; and in order, the player position then the dealer position; the player position then the dealer position receiving no additional random playing card symbols and determining a final random outcome value for the player position in the wagering outcome, receiving one or more additional random playing card symbols until a final random outcome value of less than or equal to 11 is achieved, or receiving one or more additional random playing card symbols until a final random outcome value of greater than 11 is achieved, ending the wagering event and comparing final outcome values at the player position and dealer position to determine a win or loss of the committed wager.

Abstract: In various embodiments, players may compete in a gaming context.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a bonus event unit based system to provide one or more awards to one or more players. Such bonus event units are accumulated by a player based on one or more events associated with the player's gaming experience. The bonus event units utilized in the gaming system are selectively redeemed by the player in exchange for one or more opportunities to win an award.

Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are directed to a video poker gaming device that deals five cards to a player and selects five more cards that represent the possible cards used in a later draw. From these ten cards, the gaming device if a winning combination above a threshold amount is possible. If such a winning combination is not possible, in some embodiments, the device automatically ends the game and deals a new hand. If a win over the threshold amount is possible, the gaming device allows the player to hold and draw cards. This increases the speed of play of the poker game and focuses game play on hands where winning combinations are likely.

Abstract: A modified method of playing a blackjack style bonus game that includes additional wagering options for players. Various double down options are provided for players to increase their chances of winning by receiving additional cards from a blackjack card deck incorporating at least two specialized wild cards. The game begins by receiving a first hand value between 12 and 17 and electing a bonus wagering option that the next card will produce a 21 without busting. After receiving a third card count less than 21, electing a second bonus option and winning on the ratio of 20 to 1 if the additional blackjack cards or specialized wild cards add up to 21 without busting. The dealer settles the bonus wagers and the traditional game of blackjack continues.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide gaming systems and methods providing casual games with dynamic award schemes. Each game has a designated number of elements. For each play of the wagering game, the gaming system: determines a number of the designated number of elements that will be as payout elements; determines which of the designated number of elements to make the payout elements; and for each payout element, determines the payout value associated with that payout element. The gaming system enables the player to play the wagering game in accordance with predetermined rules of the wagering game, which includes enabling the player to employ the elements until a game ending condition occurs. If a payout element is employed in that play of the wagering game in a designated manner, the gaming system provides the player the associated payout value.

Abstract: The invention provides a gaming machine comprising a display for displaying a game comprising the display of randomly selected game symbols and where predetermined winning combinations of the randomly selected game symbols in the game award prizes to a player. A game controller controls the display of the game symbols on the display and determines whether a trigger event has occurred in the play of the game. The trigger event has a probability with a probability component that is independent of the value received from the player. Upon occurrence of the trigger event, the game controller offers a plurality of bonus prizes for selection by the player. Once the player selects a bonus prize, the game controller causes the selected bonus prize to only be available during play of the game. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of simulating a heads up gaming tournament utilizing at least one game server and a plurality of personal communication devices includes receiving value from a plurality of participants using the personal communication devices, providing the participants with wagering units, pairing unpaired first and second ones of the participants to play a heads up game, initiating the game by generating a game state, for example, dealing the private cards of a hold'em poker game, and transmitting the game state to the participants for display on the personal communications devices, whereupon the first participant transmits an action to the game server in response to the game state, receiving the action and updating the game state, receiving a second input in response to the first participant's action from the second participant, continuing play until the outcome of the heads up game is determined, updating the number of wagering units held by the first and second participants, repairing the participants for the n

Abstract: A unified platform supports a plurality of game titles and diverse gaming devices to provide publishers and developers with a software development kit (SDK) including application programming interfaces (APIs) for creating multiplayer tournaments. Developers use the SDK to create tournament definitions and permission levels for tournament organizers. Tournament definitions specify configuration values as parameters the unified platform uses to create instances of multiplayer tournaments. Permission levels can define which tournament organizers are able to set up and manage tournaments and can define parameters to which they must adhere. The unified platform can store tournament definitions that are created by game publishers, game developers, or tournament organizers and can use the stored definitions to create tournament instances.

Abstract: A method of rewarding players for performing actions with respect to computer-implemented games is disclosed. An action by a user with respect to a computer game is detected. It is identified that the performing of the action by the user qualifies the user to participate in a mini game, the mini game having a plurality of stages. A reward to associate with a winning by the user of a stage of the plurality of stages is determined. The winning by the user of the stage of the plurality of stages is detected. Under certain circumstances, the user is provided with an option to participate in the additional stage of the plurality of stages in exchange for the user not receiving the reward, the additional stage of the plurality of stages being associated with an additional reward, the additional reward being greater than the reward.

Abstract: In a wagering event based on dealer versus player poker ranks, initial player hand card ranks or combinations qualify a player for a value-enhancement activity that carries through to conclusion of the wagering event as a wager enhancement. The value-enhancement activity may include a non-redeemable marker placed adjacent to at least one wager, the value of which wager is increased or multiplied by the marker.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for automatically creating and updating a friend database associated with a player. Generally, in various embodiments, the system of the present disclosure is configured to access one or more player accounts (such as social media accounts) of the player, collect player friend data from the accessed player account(s), determine a list or one of more friends of the player based on the collected player data, and create or update a friend database associated with the player to include the determined friends. The system of the present disclosure thus dynamically and automatically creates and updates the friend database associated with the player without requiring the player to actively create and repeatedly and actively update (e.g., add friends to and remove friends from) the friend database.

Abstract: Gaming table systems include electronic gaming tables, gaming terminals, and a system server. A system or table can be configured to administer a live wager-based table game involving an initial shared hand that is shared by multiple live players. Each player can make different live game decisions regarding discarding physical playing items from the initial shared hand, and game outcomes include final hands that vary by player depending upon the different decisions. The live table game can be draw poker, which can involve dealing five physical cards face up for the initial shared hand and five additional cards face down for a first set of replacement cards before any live game player decisions. A second set of replacement cards can provide a second play from the same initial shared hand. Methods of providing the draw poker game can include preventing further user inputs prior to revealing the face down cards.

Abstract: A community poker-type game that requires recognizing a favorable community card group and physically select that favorable community card group in an allotted time when that community card group becomes available. The game provides players with the choice of as many as seven different community card groups to form a best five-card poker hand. Game play can begin by two cards being dealt to at least two players. A first group of five community cards are dealt face-down in a crisscross pattern followed by a process whereas the players select a five-card community group during the timed-deal of four community cards face-up to the outermost points of the five face-down community cards. A best five-card poker hand is determined for each player which can include from zero to two of the cards dealt to each player with at least three cards from the players selected five-card community group.

Abstract: A wagering method includes display of random symbols in a grid array of rows and columns of frames displayed on a visual screen. The player receives a number of directable virtual projectiles. The player selects a trajectory for the virtual projectile that passes into the grid array. The processor moves the virtual projectile on the visual screen along the selected trajectory and eliminates symbols within penetrated frames. Each virtual projectile has a designated frame penetrating strength. Each moved virtual projectile passes into and through frames until the virtual projectile exhausts its frame penetrating strength, and eliminates symbols in each frame the virtual projectile penetrates. The processor accumulates all symbols eliminated in ordered arrays of like symbols or orders of symbols.