Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine having a shuffle feature and a simultaneous multiple award feature. The method for conducting the shuffle feature includes displaying a plurality of value-based symbols in a random array where each of the plurality of value-based symbols displays a number indicating a value, increasing the displayed number of one of the plurality of value-based symbols in response to a player selection, rearranging the plurality of value-based symbols in view of the random array such that the rearranged plurality defines an award and awarding the award to the player. The method for conducting the simultaneous multiple award feature includes displaying an assemblage of selectable tiles that conceal an associated plurality of icons, receiving successive player selections of the tiles, selectively revealing a first group and a second group of related game-theme icons, selectively revealing a wild icon and simultaneously awarding a first and a second award.

Abstract: The invention is a method of playing computerized card games against real or virtual players. The cards games are usually variations of poker, where the quality of the players' hands is due to skill and strategy rather than the luck of the draw. Players request desired cards from a computerized dealer without knowledge of which cards other players have requested. A null card, which has no value in determining the outcome of the game, is delivered to players who request the same card as another player has requested regardless of whether the card was requested previously or during the current round. In another embodiment, a null card is delivered only when two or more players request the same card during the current round or if a player requests a card that has already been distributed.

Abstract: An RFID tag-incorporated game card having no irregularities on its surface layers is provided. In a card, an intermediate layer having an RFID tag incorporated therein with an appropriately uniform thickness is held between at least two sheets. The intermediate layer includes the RFID tag and at least two base films arranged to hold the RFID tag between them. The base films are preferably colored black. Alternatively, it is also preferable that the intermediate layer and the sheets are adhered to each other using a black adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a player Io participate in a live online card game. After a card is drawn, and before all players can see it, it is optionally squeezed, i.e. slowly revealed to one or more players, such as the players who placed the highest bet for a particular side. The gradual revealing of the cards is performed by capturing and broadcasting a representative of the particular side showing the cards to a capturing device, by broadcasting pre-recorded image streams, or by broadcasting an image stream generated by a computing platform after a card was scanned by a scanning device. The player can choose the part of the card being revealed, and its orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods for ranking tournament players are disclosed. The apparatus includes a RFID tournament detection system coupled to a server. The server is provided with game data as one or more tournaments proceed. According to tournament rules, player activity may result in a player being eliminated. When a player is eliminated, the server or detection system records the time and date coupled to each player's identification and may rank each player on an on-going basis or at the end of the tournament. Players do not need to compete at the same site, but may be ranked according to a player's current status within the tournament as captured by the tournament detection system and recorded by the server, which receives data from each game table participating in the tournament.

Abstract: Example methods and devices are set forth for playing a game. In some embodiments, an inventory of game indicia is arranged in a random but established, serial order. In some embodiments, for each hand of play the player makes a wager and game indicia are displayed in order from the inventory to define a winning or losing outcome. In some embodiments, a display, as hands are played, displays the remaining constituency of the inventory and the player, before any game, can order re-shuffling and re-constitute of the inventory. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Embodiments related to conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. In some embodiments the player plays multiple sequential game hand by placing a wager, receiving game indicia from the finite set cumulatively excluding any game indicia previously dealt, playing the game hand to completion, collecting the game indicia from the player and excluding the dealt game indicia from further play, and displaying at least the excluded game indicia or any winning combinations precluded by the excluded game indicia. In some embodiments the game hands continue in sequence until a restoration event, which may include a manually triggered restoration or an automatic restoration event, that restores the excluded game indicia. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system and method including card game dispensing shoe includes a scanner that discerns the value and suit of each card dispensed, and includes a CPU and a memory storing data such as rules for dealing cards, data representing player strategy criteria and card inventory data. The CPU, with the scanner data and wagering data can determine player proficiency in regards to player strategies, can determine whether the card inventory is in favor of the player, determine player first card advantage and can, on a floating basis, determine permitted deck penetration. The system and method can be incorporated into games to be broadcast over a communications network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method provides an electronic poker game to a plurality of players on an electronic poker table. A game computer administers the electronic poker game by dealing one or more hands using electronic cards and electronic chips. Each hand includes one or more betting rounds. The game computer allows the players to make wagers into a pot with the electronic chips during the one or more betting rounds. The game computer dynamically determines a rake amount of a pot and retains the rake amount from the pot.

Abstract: Among other things, enabling late bets in a game of Baccarat includes accepting a first bet from one or more participants. Two cards are dealt to each of a player position and a bank position. A player position score and a bank position score are determined based on the two cards dealt to each of the player position and the two cards dealt to the bank position. Based on the determined scores for the player position and the bank position, a determination is made on whether to deal a third card to at least one of the player position and the bank position.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes a playing surface divided into discrete fields each having distinct indicia such as a color. The system includes a plurality of game pieces, such as letter tiles, each having an indicia corresponding to a respective field as well as having an alphanumeric or user-choice indicia. The entertainment system includes an input device for actuating a timer or processor. A display is included for displaying instructions, aesthetic elements, or even a sound emitter. A method of playing the entertainment system includes a plurality of players initially selecting a predetermined number of game pieces and then, in turn, arranging game pieces on playing surface fields having like color indicia to form words, selecting additional game pieces or taking other actions relative to game pieces, and rearranging game pieces to form other words. Electronic components are included to provide elements of chance, instructions, or aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A gaming system and method that enables tournament table games and non-tournament table games to be played simultaneously at a same gaming table with a processor automatically determining the results of the tournament. The players at a gaming table may play a tournament game simultaneously with other tournament players, may play the tournament at different times with tournament players on gaming tables simultaneously playing tournament games as other players play non-tournament games on a same gaming table and a single player may simultaneously or sequentially play tournament and non-tournament games at a gaming table with suitable chip identification devices. During the tournament the gaming system tracks at least the tournament players' wagers wins, losses, and chip totals and/or chip values with suitable chip identification devices and automatically determines the results of the tournament based on the chip identification.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes the following elements. An image data acquisition unit acquires image data of a captured image including a code having a fixed area in which a predetermined fixed area code is formed and a variable area in which a variable area code formed by a combination of a plurality of codes is formed. A fixed area code recognition unit analyzes the captured image to recognize the predetermined fixed area code of the fixed area. A variable area code default value setting unit sets the default value of the variable area code based on the predetermined fixed area code. A variable area code recognition unit analyzes the captured image to recognize the variable area code. A comparator compares the variable area code with the default value to determine the difference therebetween. A command designation unit designates a command to be executed based on the difference.

Abstract: A game of chance played with a dealer usually representing the house or the casino, 2 or more players, a specially marked game interface, three specially marked dice, and multiple rounds of betting. This invention allows for the dealer to participate in the game as a risk-bearing participant, and invites any interested players or non-players to place side bets on each roll outcome. Viewed as two games played simultaneously, the primary game engages the actual players who are bound to continue playing and betting until the throw outcome, TA (or tA occuring in conjunction with the player rolling the dice having placed one or more chips on tA on the Combo Bets section of the board) ends the game. The secondary or bonus game allows current players to become involved but also engages non-players who can become involved at any time throughout the duration of the game so long as their “side bet” is placed prior to each throw of the dice, with their release from the secondary or bonus game at the end of each throw.

Abstract: A multi-player solitaire or multi-player video game that generates tags for digital images. A tabletop or computer screen video game provides an enjoyable way for collocated players to view, share, talk about and, in the process tag photos. The video games can generate valuable text labels for photos with multiple levels of specificity and named entities. These labels can be used to help manage and index collections of photos for browsing and retrieval.

Abstract: A system and method forms playing card markings on playing card media to provide playing cards based on a desired set of payout or house odds and/or house advantage. The playing cards may, for example, be printed in a random or pseudo-random order that is based on the selected payout or house odds and/or house advantage.

Abstract: A gaming machine of the present invention offers a special payout or executes a bonus game, in a case where a side BET has been placed in a card game using a player's card and a dealer's card, when a specific card pair is established by the player's card and the dealer's card.

Abstract: There is provided a method of playing a poker-type game amongst a large number of players located at remote locations. The method includes the steps of dividing a standard 52-card deck into a reserve and a player deck, so that the reserve contains 16 randomly selected cards and the player deck contains the remaining 36 cards. Each player is then provided with a ticket showing two randomly selected cards from the player deck. Fictitious opponents are each provided with two randomly selected cards from the reserve, while five randomly selected cards from the reserve are used to form the community cards. As in Texas Hold'Em poker, the best 5-card poker hand for each player and each fictitious opponent is determined from amongst the two cards the 5 community cards. Two categories of prizes are awarded. The first two players whose hands beat all fictitious opponents.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a bonus round of a slot machine game. A plurality of concealed elements are displayed, and a player can reveal each element one by one, until a terminating symbol is revealed. Combinations are formed and a player is awarded a highest combination upon revealing a terminating symbol.

Abstract: A method for automating a card game includes wirelessly interrogating each of a plurality of playing cards using radio frequency transmissions. For at least some of the playing cards, determining a rank of the playing card is based on the wireless interrogation using a mapping stored on a computer-readable medium that uniquely identifies playing cards based on a random distribution of conductive material carried by each of the playing cards.

Abstract: A gaming system which provides the player a plurality of playing cards to form an initial primary poker hand and also displays one or more other poker hands. The player selects one or more of the initially dealt cards in the primary poker hand to hold or to discard. The held cards are also held in one, more or each of the other simultaneously displayed hands. The gaming device evaluates the held cards and determines which poker game outcomes are possible based on the held cards and the remaining cards in the deck. The gaming device utilizes a stored table of different distributions of poker game outcomes which would result in each payout amount and a table regarding which poker game outcomes are possible based on the player's held cards to determine a distribution of outcomes that provides a total payout equal to the payout of the predetermined game outcome.

Abstract: A video game machine or on-line game system provides a game involving a wager. The game involves a plurality of randomly selected icons, such as playing cards, being dealt and displayed to the player on at least two sequential occasions. A game win is determined on the basis of the presence of a winning combination of icons in the final deal of icons. Additionally, a secondary wager is commenced or cancelled on the basis of a winning combination of icons in a deal preceding the final deal of icons in a game. In this way player excitement is greater than that of a conventional wagering game without requiring the player to have a high level of knowledge or expertise in the game.

Abstract: A game may be executed that may provide game objects to a plurality of players such that a characteristic of the game objects for each of the plurality of players may be visible to other players. The game may also receive an arrangement for the game objects from each of the plurality of players. To begin play, the game may select a first player from the plurality of players. The game may then determine whether a first game object of the arrangement for the game objects of the selected first player may be playable. The first game object may then be removed from the game objects of the selected first player if the first game object may be playable.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a game of poker in which at least some player actions are fixed by game rules. For example, in some embodiments, a first set of cards displayed on a video screen is dealt to a first player of a poker game. The first player is a person. A second set of cards is dealt to a second player of the poker game. One first action is determined based on a set of game rules and based on the first set of cards. The one first action is automatically performed on behalf of the first player. One second action is determined based on the set of game rules and based on the second set of cards. An amount to be awarded to a winning player of the poker game is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card game adopting new “mission function.” According to the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a card game on the Internet comprising the steps of: (a) providing a display of a game panel to a plurality of players connected to the Internet; (b) inviting the players to the card game upon request of the players; (c) distributing game items to invited players; (d) conducting a random retrieval of at least one mission from a database; (e) checking whether the mission is achieved when the game items are transacted; and (f) settling results of the card game when the card game is over.

Abstract: Blackjack tournaments are described which provide for rules and practices that facilitate counting of cards by players, such as dealing from a single deck of 52 cards down to the last card in the deck. The proprietor of the tournament limits its exposure to losses by forming a pool of prize money from entrance fees paid by players, sponsorship fees, a limited contribution to the pool of prize money, or combinations thereof. Players play with chips provided by the proprietor of the tournament. The tournament may be captured with one or more video cameras and broadcast over an entertainment network. The broadcast may feature card counting reports, commentary by experts, and a display of the sequence of cards to be dealt to the players and the dealer.

Abstract: A card game and method of playing the card game is disclosed. The card game involves placing cards into pre-defined card positions in the form of grids or matrices. For example, a 3×3 grid is filled with nine cards. Game outcome combinations are defined by three horizontal, three vertical and two diagonal pay lines. Another grid arrangement includes a 3×3 grid with each row and column having an extra card position at each end thereof. Accordingly, after the 3×3 grid is filled with random cards, a player may select one or more pay lines after which the two extra card positions are filled. The player is paid for any winning hands formed of the five card defined by the selected pay lines. Countless grid arrangements and pay lines are conceivable. In other versions, the player may replace one or more initially dealt, displayed or otherwise provided cards. The card game and method disclosed herein may be played through an electronic gaming device, over the Internet or at a live gaming table with a dealer.

Abstract: A mahjong gaming apparatus with suit variable mahjong tiles has a server apparatus and multiple player terminal apparatuses. The server apparatus has a server and a random number generator. The random number generator is controlled by the server to randomly generate a suit of a particular mahjong tile. Each player terminal apparatus has at least one suit variable mahjong tile and a player terminal. The suit variable mahjong tile is capable of generating lines corresponding to the suit. The player terminal corresponds to a player, accepts inputs from the player, receives the suit from the server apparatus and controls the suit variable mahjong tile to generate the lines corresponding to the suit. Players may hold the suit variable mahjong tile to feel the lines before uncovering the mahjong tile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game for play by a player using a plurality of cards. The game includes a wager placed by the player and a player hand including at least four cards. A player score is calculated for the player hand according to a set of cribbage rules. The player receives a payout based on the wager if the player score exceeds a predetermined total. The payout preferably increases as the player score increases based on the odds of achieving a given player score. The game may include an initial player hand, with the player replacing between none and all of the cards from the initial player hand to create the player hand. The game may be played using a video display or live.

Abstract: Methods to provide an enhanced likelihood of winning an award and to provide enhanced awards based upon the appearance of symbols on free paylines or free hands of cards. In one embodiment base paylines and a free payline are defined using the same symbol matrix and same reel strips. The free payline is an additional payline with same frequencies of wins and losses as the base paylines. The player wagers upon any number of base paylines. The player receives a free payline if a designated number of base paylines are wagered upon. A multiplier enhances the award for winning symbol combinations appearing on the free payline, with the multiplier value equal to the total wager. In another embodiment, a player wagers upon any number of displayed poker hands. The player receives at least one free hand if a designated number of hands are wagered upon.

Abstract: A processor controlled gaming device having a display device in communication with the processor. When the display device receives an input from the player, gaming device randomly generates an outcome, the display device displays an event having the outcome and the gaming device provides the player with a payout in association with the outcome and the selected input. The inputs have paytables that vary in range. One input has a large, risky payout range with big and small payouts. One input has a small, conservative payout range with intermediate payouts. Other inputs have ranges that fall in between the risky and conservative ranges. Each of the ranges has the same overall expected value, so that the gaming device does not favor the player's choice of a risky or conservative input.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for detecting collusion in online gaming involving a plurality of players, the method comprising storing game information data and game action data on every action in every game for every player in the online gaming database, performing a player action analysis of correlated actions between a pair of online game players and storing data from the player action analysis in a user action database, employing one or more Bayesian Network graphical models to determine a likelihood of conditional behavior between the pair of online game players, computing individual scores for the Bayesian Network graphical models and comparing the score of a collusional model with that of a non-collusional model.

Abstract: A gaming machine lets a player who has satisfied a predetermined condition select one dealer image among six dealer images. The gaming machine subsequently displays the selected image in a front display and executes a game. As a bet-accepting period started, the gaming machine accepts the player's operation of giving a tip to the dealer displayed on the front display separately from a bet operation for getting a prize. If the player gives the dealer a tip, the gaming machine generates an individual image corresponding to an image of the dealer who acts according to the player's personal data and a game history, and an individual sound corresponding to the voice of the dealer according to the player's personal data and a game history, and then outputs the generated individual image and individual sound at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: A gaming method for providing a poker-style game on a gaming device includes selecting at least one player card to form at least part of a player hand, selecting at least one machine card to form at least part of a machine hand. A prize schedule payable to the player if the player were to win a completed hand is calculated based on the selected cards. The player decides whether to continue play of the game utilising their hand, after being provided with the calculated prize schedule.

Abstract: The gaming machine of the present invention places player's cards face down when a bonus game is determined to be executed in a normal game that uses the player's cards and dealer's cards; and offers a special payout in the case where a card selected by an input device out of the placed player's cards is a specific card.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods relating to a physical gaming system that may host remote players. According to one embodiment of the invention, physical cards are utilized in a gaming environment that may be played remotely over a network. The cards include at least one identifier that may be read upon the card being dealt. The identifier may contain information that is remotely communicated to a player. In one embodiment, a video image of the card is shown to a player. The “cards” of the present invention are not limited to traditional playing cards, but rather may be of any shape and/or three-dimensional, such as circular balls.

Abstract: A gaming unit may comprise a gaming display being operable to generate images and a controller operatively coupled to the gaming display. The controller may be programmed to select and display a number of player symbols and to generate an outcome of a plurality reels. The controller also may be programmed to display on the gaming display an outcome of the reels, to determine the initial award amount of the outcome of the reels and to determine whether one of the displayed player symbols has a predetermined relationship and can be played on the displayed reel symbols. If the player can play a displayed player symbol, the controller may be programmed to allow the player to play one of the displayed player symbols on the displayed reel symbols and credit an additional award amount.

Abstract: This invention permits an alternative use of a wild card in casino games using a standard deck of fifty-two playing cards in which a set number of cards are dealt to a participant of the game. In existing games in which a wild card is used, the cards which may be used as a wild card are limited because they are predetermined and static. This invention allows each player in the game to choose any card in the player's hand to be used as a wild card, thereby permitting each hand to always have a wild card if the player so chooses.

Abstract: A gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a plurality of lucky numbers are set in a one game unit or a plurality of games unit. Then, if it is judged that the total value of the numbers on the two cards that were initially dealt to the player equals the lucky numbers, the selection as to whether to place an additional bet is displayed on the liquid crystal display. If the player has selected to place an additional bet, a processor accepts the additional bet operation. And a processor awards to the player a prize based on the total bet amount obtained by adding the additional bet amount to the bet amount on which a bet was placed before the start of the game.

Abstract: A method of playing a video wagering game and a video apparatus for that method are disclosed. The method may include a player placing a wager in a wagering machine having a processor; the wagering machine displaying at least a single payline of multiple frames influenced by at least two distinct indicators; the processor determining from one displayed distinct indicator on the payline whether the symbols provide at least one of at least two available different odds on the wager that are associated with an award; providing a second set of indicators associated with the payline, individual members of the second set of indicators associated with individual frames wherein predetermined combinations and/or orders of the second set of indicators are winning combinations and/or orders based on the wager; and providing the player with at least one award providing a specific multiple of at least some awards based upon the second set of indicators displayed on the payline.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a matching game includes displaying a layout of graphical elements and a set of game reels; receiving at least one input and displaying via a graphical user interface a graphical element in each of the set of game reels; receiving a first selection input corresponding to one of a graphical element of the layout of graphical elements and a graphical element of the set of game reels; receiving a second selection input corresponding to one of a graphical element of the layout of graphical elements and a graphical element of the set of game reels, wherein the first selection input and the second selection input corresponding to two different graphical elements; determining whether the two different graphical elements match in accordance with predetermined rules; removing the two different graphical elements from the graphical user interface if they form a match and not removing the two different graphical elements if they do not form a match; awarding points if the two different gr

Abstract: A wager manipulation feature for a wagering game is provided. The feature may be implemented after the player's wager is set but before game play takes place, after game play takes place or both simultaneously. If before game play, the feature enables the player to undo or nullify the wager, for example, if the player changes his or her mind or enters a wager incorrectly. If after game play, the feature provides a bonus to the player in which the player may nullify a bet after an unsuccessful outcome or increase the bet to enhance a favorable outcome. In any case, the redo feature can be accumulated in one embodiment and stored and/or restored on a gaming device ticket, player tracking card or promotion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of playing a card game including categorising cards into different types; providing a game table with a number of regions for players to place bets on; allowing players to place bets in relation to the type of cards to be dealt; dealing cards, one for each of the regions on the gaming table; determining if the player's bet has achieved a winning outcome in relation to those cards; and awarding a prize to the player who has a winning outcome according to predetermined rules of the game. The game may further include an auxiliary including: determining, based on the cards dealt, whether a winning outcome for the auxiliary game has been achieved by a player; and awarding a prize to that player in accordance with predetermined rules of the game.

Abstract: A card game apparatus with card displays has a gaming server apparatus, multiple client interfaces and multiple card displays. The gaming server apparatus runs a card game program, deals cards and sends card images to the card displays. Each client interface is electronically connected to the gaming server apparatus, displays status of the card game program to the players and accepts commands from the players to control the card game program. Each card display is a card like electric display and is controlled by the client interface to display the card image. The player can therefore glance at the card images shown on their card-like display for a more realistic card game simulation.

Abstract: Embodiments describe a card stack reader having an imaging unit which reads an image from a peripheral side portion of a stack of cards, each card having a read code along a peripheral side edge thereof, the read code indentifying the card, and a code recognizing unit which recognizes the read code of each from the image read by the imaging unit.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of groups of at least two symbols for a play line played by a player; displaying the selected groups at respective ones of a plurality of display positions on the play line; linking groups of symbols based on at least one symbol linking rule; and awarding a prize to the player if sufficient of the groups of symbols on the play line have been linked.

Abstract: An poker game which provides a predetermined outcome to a player. In one embodiment, a plurality of playing cards are provided to a player wherein one or more of the provided playing cards are based on the predetermined game outcome. The player is enabled to select one or more of the initially dealt playing cards to hold or to discard. If a poker hand with an associated payout equal to the value associated with the predetermined game outcome may be obtained based on the held cards, the gaming device utilizes one or more backfill algorithms, to determine which card or cards, if any, need to be dealt to the player. The determined cards are provided to the player to replace the playing cards designated by the player to discard and the selected predetermined game outcome which is associated with a value equal to the payout of the player's poker hand is provided to the player.

Abstract: An indication of actions by participants taking part in an interactive environment that can represent peripheral information or tells (i.e., not essential to participating in the environment) are communicated to computing devices used by other participants in the interactive environment. Each such action or behavior being monitored is associated with a corresponding indicator. After one of the additional behaviors is detected, the corresponding indicator can be presented to another participant by a computing device used by the other participant. Thus, the other participant may perceive, and respond to the peripheral behavior. For example, if the interactive environment is a card game, a player's act in reordering cards that are held, counting chips, moving the input device in a spurious manner, and other such behaviors are indicated to other players. Receiving indicators of these behaviors enables other players to respond to these behaviors, making the interactive environment more like playing face-to-face.

Abstract: A method includes displaying a first set of card representations at a display device of a player station. This first set of card representations is divided into a number of card representation subsets. The method also includes receiving a subset selection input and a wager allocation input at the player station. The subset selection input selects a first and second subset of card representations from the various subsets that have been displayed. Each of these different subsets will be used together with a second, “community” set of card representations displayed at the player station to produce a respective final hand for the player. The wager allocation input allocates a wager amount between the first and second subsets of card representations. First and second prize values are awarded for hands produced from the selected subsets combined with the community card set and considering the wager allocations.

Abstract: A method involves a video poker game in which a first set of card representations is displayed at a player station display device. The first set of card representations is organized into a number of card representation subsets comprising at least one card representation in each subset. After the player selects one of the subsets, a second set of card representations is displayed at the player station display device to combine with the selected subset. The combination is used to produce an optimum card hand that represents the player's result for the game. The player's result may be determined based on the combination of cards or may be predetermined from a lottery-type game, bingo-type game, or a result generator. In the latter cases the card representations displayed in the game are controlled so as to be consistent with the result identified for the player.