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 devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display device, and game-logic circuitry. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display device displays outcomes of the wagering game via a plurality of symbol-bearing reels each having a plurality of symbol positions occupied by symbols, at least one of the reels having a designated clump area comprising a predetermined number of the symbol positions. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the game-logic circuitry randomly determines whether to include a symbol clump in the designated clump area, the symbol clump comprising a plurality of identical symbols occupying adjacent ones of the symbol positions within the designated clump area.

Abstract: A gaming system which includes a game sequence, such as a free game sequence, which enables a player to selectively apply modifiers after viewing the results of games. For a game associated with an available modifier, following the display of the results of that game, the gaming system enables the player to either utilize the available modifier for that game or accumulate another modifier to be potentially utilized for another game. If the player selects to utilize the available modifier, the gaming system modifies one or more aspects of the play of the game to result in a modified game outcome and/or a modified game award. If the player selects to not utilize the available modifier, the gaming system accumulates another modifier for the player, wherein the other modifier may or may not be subsequently utilized by the player to modify any designated aspects of a subsequent play of the game.

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: 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 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.

Abstract: A database system is disclosed for accessing databases, updating hands information associated with users. The database system can include a server. The server can retrieve and store data in the database. The server can retrieve a first request from a first computer over a network, the first request including a first set of authentication data. The server can identify the user and retrieve a first set of hands information data associated with the user from the database. The server can generate a first set of game data and transmit the game data to the first computer. It can then receive a first set of hands data from the first computer. It can compute a first game result based on the first set of hands data, the first set of game data and a first set of game rules.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention is directed to a computer-implemented method that at least includes: programming a Process Administrator computer system to perform: receiving life insurance data for a plurality of life insurance policies; identifying a life insurance policy that has a catch-up deduction; classifying the insured lives of the life insurance policy into a plurality of insured classes of the insured lives; determining investment amount in a separate account; receiving investment data resulted from investing in an investment option; calculating an investment return amount attributed to the life insurance policy; determining a net investment return amount to be credited to the life insurance policy based on: an insured class, the investment return amount, and the catch-up deduction; and transmitting the net investment return amount so as to result in crediting the net investment return amount to the life insurance policy.

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: The gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to simultaneously or concurrently play a plurality of games at a gaming device regardless or independent of if the gaming device accounting system in communication with the gaming device is configured to support such simultaneous or concurrent game play. The gaming system disclosed herein additionally or alternatively enables a player to simultaneously play a plurality of games wherein certain of the games are eligible to operate with a remote host and certain of the games are ineligible to operate with the remote host.

Abstract: A LED driving system for a LED matrix having a plurality of LEDs connected in parallel. The LED driving system includes a plurality of driving modules. Each one of the plurality of driving modules drives a corresponding one of the plurality of LEDs. Each one of the plurality of driving modules can include a local current driver receiving a reference current and providing a driving current to the corresponding one LED, and a local current tuning module receiving a U-bit current tuning command to tune the driving current for the corresponding one LED to reach a desired driving current using the U-bit current tuning command which provides a predetermined number of tuning steps ranging from 0 to 2U.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring casino gaming devices through a casino network is disclosed. The monitoring includes casino gaming devices configured to generate performance data and transmit the data corresponding to the monitored usage of the casino gaming devices over a casino network, a monitoring server configured to store and manage a database including the game data received from the casino gaming devices, and an operator station configured to retrieve and display the game data on a graphical user interface having icons that display real-time operational parameters of the casino gaming devices. A related method for gathering and maintaining operational performance indicators for a plurality of casino table devices operably coupled to a casino network including a middleware server and a client terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A casino wagering game is played with a progressive jackpot and a second bonus event. At least one player places a wager to play a casino wagering game. The at least one player places a second wager that is optionally varying in amount wagered at the election of the player. The second wager enters both the progressive jackpot event and the second bonus event. The casino retains a portion of the second wager to become part of the progressive jackpot, while the second wager also is required to enter the at least one player in the second bonus event.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a bonus game customizable with features of one or more primary games. In various embodiments, the gaming system may trigger the customizable bonus game in association with a play of any one of a plurality of different primary games, each of which includes one or more features. Before providing a play of the customizable bonus game, the gaming system modifies the customizable bonus game to include one of the features of the primary game that triggered the customizable bonus game that is not included in any of the other primary games. The modification is in addition to at least one prior modification of the customizable bonus game. Thus, the gaming system enables a player to customize the combination of features included in the customizable bonus game by playing a variety of different primary games.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture are associated with determining whether a first condition associated with a first player of a gaming device is satisfied, determining whether a second condition associated with a second player of the gaming device is satisfied, and awarding, in the case that both the first and second conditions are determined to be satisfied, a benefit to the first player.

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: In accordance with some embodiments, a gaming apparatus provides for an electronic baccarat game in which game elements are placed in a game element matrix within which a plurality of paylines are defined. Each payline consists of a baccarat hand which includes a first subset of game element positions attributed to the Player side and a second subset of game element positions attributed to the Banker side. In one embodiment, a player may place a wager on a game instance of the baccarat game and select one of a Player side and a Banker side for the wager. A payout is determined for the game instance based on which of the Player side and the Banker side the player selected and how many of the paylines resulted in a Player side win and how many of the paylines resulted in a Banker side win.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a system for facilitating a card game provide for outputting a game interface which includes a plurality of card positions into which cards are placed, the card positions being configured in a triangle configuration, wherein the plurality of card positions include at least one subset of card positions within the triangle configuration, each of the at least one subset arranged in a respective sub-triangle located within the triangle configuration into which the plurality of card positions are arranged. A plurality of cards are dealt for a game event and placed into the card positions. If the plurality of dealt cards includes a first winning combination of cards, a prize is awarded to the player. In some embodiments, a prize is also awarded for any sub-combination of cards in a subset of card positions that qualifies as a winning card combination.

Abstract: A trading card includes a main portion having any character of a plurality of characters represented on at least one surface and an electronic component for contactless communication, which is contained in the main portion. The electronic component includes a storage portion which stores data related to the character represented on the main portion and a circuit which writes data received from an external apparatus through contactless communication into the storage portion.

Abstract: A roulette system detailed herein involves modified roulette features designed to add excitement to conventional roulette. A first embodiment relates to players purchasing special chips and making wagers on multiple, consecutive random outcomes in an effort to make consecutive winning number selections. A second version relates to players placing wagers on dealer select numbers. If the dealer selects winning numbers on two or more consecutive spins of the roulette wheel, players receive an enhanced payout. In both versions, pay tables list large payouts (e.g., up to 1000 to 1) which are not the norm for roulette which has as its largest payout 35 to 1 for individual numbers.

Abstract: A game play assembly incorporating 24 substantially square frames, each substantially square frame having a quadruple of zones; and incorporating 96 objects wherein a first third of the 96 objects are of a first type, wherein a second third of the 96 objects are of a second type, wherein the remainder of the 96 objects are of a third type, wherein the 96 objects are divided in 24 four element rotational series of objects, wherein each four element rotational series of objects is supported upon and aligned with one of the quadruples of zones, and wherein each four element rotational series of objects is different from each other four element rotational series of objects.

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: A method of playing a casino card game includes providing an automatic shuffling machine and a gaming table having a plurality of playing stations and a community card area. Each player antes. A hand of five cards is dealt to each player, and a plurality of community card pairs are distributed to the community area. Each player reviews the dealt hand to determine whether to fold or play, and all remaining players are required to wager a fixed amount. A community card pair is turned face up, and each player then determines whether to fold or play. Each player wagers based on the combination of the player's five-card hand and the turned community pair. The wagers are collected, and the steps of turning and wagering are repeated until all community card pairs are turned face up. The combined wagers are awarded to the player having the highest ranking hand.

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

Abstract: A security system for a casino table card game has a casino table with i) indicia thereon for the placement of wagers, ii) a data entry system with an associated computer, and iii) sensors that can detect the placement of at least one specific category of wager; a shuffling device with a microprocessor integral to the shuffler for providing information regarding cards or hands; a central table gaming computer that receives information from the shuffler in real time, receives information from the sensors, and receives information from the data entry system, the associated computer, the microprocessor and the central table gaming computer communicating data among each other in real time.

Abstract: Live gaming tables where players make one or more wagers on the outcome of a game played according to a predetermined set of rules are described. The table game is characterized by having a progressive prize that may be won through the play of a plurality of different bonus games. Each bonus game has a different triggering event associated with it and is preferably differentiated from the other bonus games by the probability of winning the progressive prize through the bonus game. The triggering event for each bonus game is preferably a combination of cards formed by the players' hands, the dealer's hand and/or a combination thereof. Multiple different table games played with different rules employ multiple bonus games associated with the different tables that allow different table games with otherwise disparate and fixed odds to have fair odds of winning a communal progressive prize.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multi-hand poker game having a persistent moving modifier. Generally, when a modifier triggering event occurs in association with a play of the multi-hand poker game, the gaming system activates a corresponding modifier, associates the active modifier with one of the hands of the multi-hand poker game, and uses the active modifier to modify any award for that hand. In one embodiment, after completing that play, the gaming system moves the active modifier to another hand for the next play. In another embodiment, after completing that play, the gaming system enables the player to determine whether to move the active modifier to another hand for the next play. When the modifier expiration event occurs for an active modifier, the gaming system deactivates the modifier.

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: A method and device for conducting a wagering game includes receiving an ante wager. A player hand of game pieces is dealt and a final player hand is formed by selecting the game pieces with matching rank indicia from the player hand. The final player hand is evaluated by comparing the final player hand to a standard, such as a pay table, a final dealer hand, and/or final player hands of other players. Payouts are issued if the final player hand is a winning hand based on the evaluation. Optionally, side wagers may be offered on the constitution of the final player hand.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes: conducting a base game on an electronic gaming machine; detecting a first trigger condition in the base game; initiating a feature game in response to the first trigger condition; detecting a second trigger condition in the feature game; granting access to a plurality of bonus feature game levels in response to the second trigger condition; and determining an outcome of the feature game.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for facilitating a poker game having additional award opportunities. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to include a display, a player interface, and a processor configured to deal a first poker hand and evaluate the first poker hand. The processor is further configured to deal at least one additional card to the first poker hand to create a second poker hand, and to then evaluate the second poker hand.

Abstract: One step of the present method involves making an across ante and a down ante and an optional five card poker bet. Other steps involve making an across bet or folding, making a down bet or folding, and making a middle bet or folding. All winning bets are paid out against a designated payout table for that bet. A winning middle bet is paid to the higher of the two five card poker hands formed by the players two dealt cards and either the three across community cards or the three down community cards. A winning five card bonus bet is paid to a winning five card poker hand formed by the five community cards forming the cross. The method may be played on criss cross poker layouts on actual or simulated casino card tables or on electronic devices.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a video roulette flat rate play session is facilitated. The flat rate play session may be associated with at least one of a wagering restriction applied to one or more bets during the flat rate play session and a net maximum payout per spin applicable to one or more bets during the flat rate play session. In one embodiment, a player is provided with a plurality of wagering units at the beginning of the session. A monetary value of the plurality of wagering units may be greater than a monetary value of a flat rate price paid for the flat rate play session.

Abstract: A method of managing a blackjack game is provided. A blackjack game bet comprising a bet against a house entity on a blackjack hand is received from a player. A pair of cards is determined for a hand for the house entity, and another pair of cards is determined for a hand for the player. The odds of the occurrence of one or more subsequent events are determined based at least in part on one or more of the pair of cards selected for the house entity's hand and one or more of the pair of cards selected for the player's hand. The odds for an additional bet are determined based at least on the determined odds for the one or more subsequent events, and the additional bet is offered to the player at the determined odds for the additional bet.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are provided for providing players with additional side betting options. One method includes operations for receiving user account information of a first player for playing a blackjack game, and for providing data for a sideboard interface to be presented before a round of the blackjack game. The sideboard interface provides options for side bets, which are wagers on cards dealt during the round. Additionally, the method includes an operation for providing data for a blackjack interface for playing the blackjack game after side bets have been entered. A check is made to determine if the one or more cards dealt during the round of the blackjack game produce one or more winning side bets, and a currency counter of the user account is increased of the first player for the one or more winning side bets during the round of the blackjack game.

Abstract: The Applicants are proliferating a progressively modified process for playing Blackjack using and/or displaying either standard decks or modified decks of cards. These processes also engage either a “live action” table play, or electronic gaming apparatuses, as accommodated for. Players initiate play, via standardized Blackjack rules for both “Primary & Secondary ‘Base’ play action(s).” As such, all customarily engaged wagers of variable risks are in play against the Dealer's hand. However, Players can now enjoy as never before; a superseding, Secondary Decision-Proposition means of processes; allowing for a new mid-hand entry of Community Ante-up wagers that too, are entered won or lost, before the Dealer reveals their “Hole” card! There is a “Mercy safety-net” inducing its ameliorating affects during the game's parlay action play, as well.

Abstract: A server may provide activities and/or services through a first device. To verify whether the first device is communicating with the server, a value may be determined and sent to the first device, via the server. The value may be sent in response to receiving a request/command from a second device, and may be determined using another value received from the second device.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer and the like that cause players to effectively use possessed game contents in a game, and increase the attractiveness of the game. The computer includes a storage unit that stores one or more game contents possessed by a player and a game content group, the one or more game contents each having a parameter value, the game content group being composed by using at least one of the one or more game contents, and makes a game proceed based on an instruction from a player. The method includes the steps of modifying the parameter value of a common game content in the game content group possessed by the player and being the same type as the one or more game contents other than the game content group, and processing an event by using the game content group whose parameter value is modified.

Abstract: A method of administering a wagering game includes accepting an ante wager to participate in a commission-free pai gow poker game and accepting an optional side wager from at least one player. Randomized physical cards from a set of cards comprising at least one 52-card deck of standard playing cards are dealt to provide a seven-card hand to the at least one player and a seven-card hand to a dealer. The ante wager is resolved by comparing two-card and five-card pai gow player hands formed from the at least one player's seven-card hand with two-card and five-card pai gow dealer hands formed from the dealer's seven-card hand. A payout is paid to the at least one player based on the optional side wager when the dealer's seven-card hand contains a winning hand of a set of predetermined winning hands. Methods also relate to administering wagering games over networks.

Abstract: Games of chance are disclosed. In a general embodiment, collections of objects used in the game are defined. The values of objects of the collection are ranked according to a predefined hierarchy. A first object collection is assigned to a Player party. The Dealer accepts a wager from the Player on certain outcomes of random selections of a subset of the collection of objects corresponding to high value objects. A random selection of a subset of objects is made. The subset is compared to predefined high value objects. If there is no matching relationship between the subset and the high value objects, the wager is retained by the Dealer. If there is a matching relationship but not reaching a threshold level of matching, the Dealer pays funds to the Player. If the matching exceeds a threshold level, the Player may accept the payout or wager further.

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

Abstract: A method and device for conducting blackjack-type games includes receiving a base wager and dealing at least one initial player hand and an initial dealer hand. A final player hand is formed from each initial player hand. A final dealer hand is formed. If the final dealer hand is a predefined modified dealer bust hand, the base wager is paid according to a pay table which includes at least one payout that is less than even money and at least one payout that is greater than even money. The base wager may otherwise be resolved in a manner consistent with conventional blackjack.

Abstract: Game wagers are received without designating the hand used to resolve the game wager. At least two hands are dealt. A portion of the playing cards among those dealt to the hands are exposed. The exposed playing cards may come entirely from one hand or may come from multiple hands. After exposing a portion of the cards, a designation wager is received along with a designation of one of the hands for resolution of the designation wager and game wager. Hands are completed according to the rules of baccarat or a baccarat variation. After the hands are completed, a determination is made whether the designated hand is a winning hand and wagers are resolved. Optionally, designation wagers are paid and game wagers are returned when the designated hand is a winning hand.

Abstract: A method, gaming machine, and online gaming system for playing a game of baccarat with a color side bet that the number of cards of a selected suit color in either the Player hand or the Banker hand will exceed the number of similarly colored cards in the other hand. After the regular baccarat hand is played, the Banker hand and the Player hand are compared with respect to the number of cards of the selected color and the outcome of the color side bet is determined based on which hand contains more cards of the selected color. A gaming table is configured the specific areas for receiving the color side bet.

Abstract: A new game and the methods thereof are disclosed. The game comprises utilizing new devices, rules, methods, well-defined terms, and a plurality of playing cards designed with special markings and performing alternative actions within a conditional loop to tactically and strategically form the cards on-hand as required melds/pair with bonus-earning patterns. The structure, format, rules, and playing methods of the present invention are designed to provide a great mental workout, and the purpose of the present invention is to engage people and create a friendly and gregarious environment that allows everyone to enjoy the company of others.

Abstract: An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards. One or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators transmit light at frequencies/wavelengths which is reflected off card backs through one or more spectrum filters causing invisible markings to become visible. A camera may capture images of the now visible markings. A camera and software collaborate to capture images and analyze the same for markings on the card backs such as smudges, nicks and scuffs and edge demarcations. The automatic playing card shufflers are configured to not only detect marked cards but to detect patterns relative to the card markings. The automatic card shufflers are communicatively linked with a casino management system and/or security system such that casino personnel may be alerted in real time to the discovery of marked cards.

Abstract: A card game that is a variant of a community card poker game is disclosed. The card game involves presenting a plurality of sets of hole cards to one or more players. One of the sets of hole cards includes at least one card being presented face down and at least one card being presented face up. The card game further includes receiving a hand bet made by a player on at least one of the sets of hole cards. Further, the card game includes presenting a plurality of community cards to the one or more players, and subsequently determining a highest-ranked poker hand for the game based on each of the sets of hole cards in combination with the community cards.

Abstract: A method of executing a wagering event using card symbols comprising: a player position placing at least one wager of value at risk against a paytable. The player position receiving multiple specialty playing cards comprising a top section and a bottom section, the top half of each specialty playing card having a random rank and a first color, the bottom half of each specialty playing card having a random rank and a second color. Creating an optimal set of at least one or at least two specialty playing card hands based on a first hand formed by all top halves of the multiple specialty playing cards and a second hand formed by all bottom halves of the multiple specialty playing cards. Resolving the at least one wager for at least one of the original two hands first and/or the final first and second hands against a paytable.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a playback control program that causes a computer to perform a process, the process including specifying a plurality of partial videos extracted from a sport video, each of the plurality of partial videos being associated with information indicating a playback start positions and information on a content of sports play indicated by each of the plurality of partial videos, determining a plurality of playback times from the playback start position for each of the plurality of partial videos based on the information on the content corresponding to each of the plurality of partial videos and based on relation information that associates each of a plurality of contents of sports play with playback times, and playing back the plurality of partial videos based on the plurality of determined playback times.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming systems that allow customers to wager, or “trade-in” an object of value or winning situation for a chance to win an even more valuable award. The chance for valuable award may be a bonus game or chance to win a bonus game. Bonus awards are “funded” by the savings achieved from the players trading in their wins in the base game, which would otherwise be paid. Players who do not trade-in see no changes from the base game paytable, while those players who participate in the trade-in bonus have a different gaming experience.