Abstract: In an electronic gaming device, instances of a target symbol are swapped in to symbol positions of one or more reel strips using one or more index tables to identify the symbol positions at which to swap in the instances of the target symbol. The index table(s) can be configured to cluster instances of the target symbol according to a deterministic approach. Subsequently, spin results are determined for one or more spins of reels using the reel strips.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and system for operating a plurality of Hardware Random Number Generators (HRNGs), such as e.g. physical roulette wheels, are provided. The method comprises sequentially launching each of the plurality of HRNGs such that none of the plurality of HRNGs have a starting point occurring at the same moment in time. Methods are included for selecting one HRNG out of the plurality of sequentially launched HRNGs based on a timing of a placed and confirmed bet such that the selected HRNG is the HRNG of the plurality of HRNGs having the lowest time until reaching the resolution while fulfilling a predefined criteria. Thereby advantages in terms of time efficiency, increased game cycle rates, and improved human-machine interaction are readily achievable.

Abstract: An enhanced lottery media representation object such as a ticket, for example, permits a user to access certain desirable features using a communications device. In embodiments of the present invention, an improved physical lottery ticket is provided with one or more icons, such as code elements or graphic patterns, thereupon to enable a user with a properly enabled device to detect, such as by scanning or photographing the icon, or by maintaining the icon within a field of view, one or more of the icons to reveal one or more enhanced experiences via the device.

Abstract: A computerized method and processing system provides for supplementing multiplayer video game gameplay. The method and system includes detecting a user disengaging from the multiplayer video game gameplay prior to a completion of a gameplay contest. The method and system further includes engaging the user in a mini-game computing event concurrent with the gameplay contest. If the user achieves a positive outcome in the mini-game computing event, the method and system presents the user with at least one gaming asset usable within the gameplay contest and updates the user account data relating to the gaming asset. Herein, the method and system continues to engage game players not active in the multiplayer contest via mini-games and allowed them to earn additional in-game rewards.

Abstract: A controller is configured to obtain first image data from a camera associated with a ticket machine; transmit the first image data to an application server; receive, from the application server, a first command for the ticket machine; cause the ticket machine to provide, based on the first command, a ticket having a scratching area; cause a robotic scratching device to scratch, or remove an opaque substance from, the scratching area of the ticket in accordance with a scratching command; and obtain second image data including an image of the scratching area of the ticket while the robotic scratching device scratches the scratching area.

Abstract: An automatic feeder system may include: an input bin configured to store at least one physical request slip; a feeder unit; and a support frame. The feeder unit may include a feed neck operable to automatically obtain a physical request slip from the input bin and convey it out from an outlet of the feed neck. The support frame may support the feeder unit so that the outlet is configured to engage with an input of a retailer system engaged with the automatic feeder system such that conveyance of the physical request slip out from the outlet causes the physical request slip to enter the input of the retailer system and cause the retailer system to generate a physical ticket for the game of chance based on the physical request slip.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the purchase of digital lottery tickets, the validation of digital lottery tickets, and the redemption of digital lottery tickets. The systems and methods provide improved security and protection against fraudulent validation and redemption of digital lottery tickets.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to implementation of an electronic framework, also referred to as a protocol or architecture, for electronically achieving, recording and implementing, via an electronic communications network, consensus among participants for the definition, implementation and operation of an electronic transaction processing system as a precursor to the operation of that transaction processing system in processing transactions according to the consensus among the participants. The disclosed consensus framework provides a system and protocol by which new electronic transaction processing systems may be developed and implemented among participants via an electronic negotiation and implementation of the operational rules therefore. The disclosed embodiments eliminate the need for out of band consensus negotiations and provide flexibility for participants to negotiate acceptable operational rules which can support complex transactional processes in an electronic environment.

Abstract: An electronic roulette wagering method, apparatus, and computer readable storage which displays a set of twelve bonus symbols. Each of the twelve bonus symbols is associated only with a row of three adjacent numbers. If on each spin of the roulette wheel, the ball lands on one of the associated three numbers, then the wager wins and a payout is made. Typically, a payout on a second (and thereafter) consecutive winning spin is higher than a payout for the first winning spin.

Abstract: A wireless communications system is provided that runs on a mobile device and includes a computer system run on at least one platform on which a plurality of different lottery transactions for different jurisdictions are supported and run from the at least one platform. A decentralized and distributed digital ledger is used to record transactions for the lottery transactions, where each of a lottery transaction can include a lottery element. At least one computer readable storage medium stores computer executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one network processor in the workflow server residing in the mobile communications network, implement components including: a workflow module comprising sets of workflow instructions for processing different types of lottery game packets from a plurality of different jurisdictions; and a deep packet inspection module for inspecting a received lottery game packet and providing information about the lottery game packet to the workflow module.

Abstract: A management system includes a recording device recording an image of a gaming chip and an inspection device determining a type and authenticity of the gaming chip. The gaming chip has a multilayer structure in which both sides of a colored layer are sandwiched between light color layers, surface printing representing a type of the gaming chip is performed on outer sides of the light color layers, and an authenticity recognition mark is printed on the colored layer of an inside of the light color layers by an infrared absorbing material. A visible light camera photographs a visible light image of the surface printing, and an infrared light camera photographs an infrared image of the internal printing. The inspection device determines the type and authenticity of the gaming chip using the visible light image and the infrared image.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine, system, and method are disclosed for conducting a keno game. The keno game may be conducted alone or in conjunction with a bingo game. The electronic gaming machine may receive a wager from a player, and conduct the bingo game and/or keno game in response to the wager. Based on the wager, a quantity of numbered keno balls may be designated as feature numbered keno balls. The electronic gaming machine may conduct the keno game using the feature numbered keno balls, and display a bonus if and/or when one or more feature numbered keno balls match one or more player selected keno numbers.

Abstract: Lottery tickets and lottery gaming systems and methods providing such lottery tickets, wherein the lottery tickets each have a connected symbol set feature including a plurality of connected symbol sets, a plurality of player symbols, and potential awards that can be won based on the connected symbol sets and the player symbols.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure enable system(s) and method(s) for creating and deploying an electronic skill-based activity, including implementing a matchup tool to determine a projected performance score for participants in real-world events based at least in part on historical performance data of each participant. The matchup tool creates suggested matchups for inclusion in a skill-based game by selecting, for each suggested matchup, at least two components, formed from one or more participants, expected to produce substantially similar scores in the skill-based game based on the projected performance score of each participant. The matchup tool renders for display to a game operator the suggested matchups to enable the game operator to interactively select suggested matchups for inclusion within the skill-based game.

Abstract: A controller is configured to obtain, from a first camera associated with a ticket machine, a first image stream; transmit the first image stream to an application server; receive, from the application server, a first command for the ticket machine; cause the ticket machine to provide, based on the first command, a ticket having a scratching area; receive a user-provided scratching command from the application server; and cause a robotic scratching device to scratch the scratching area in accordance with the scratching command.

Abstract: The innovations herein concern a frontend game development platform, wherein games developed by the platform comprise: a composable state machine having a plurality of states, wherein each of the plurality of states supports customizable game logic and a plurality of triggers. In prior art GDK slot game engines, most games had a fairly rigid structure that did not easily accommodate custom game developer functionality. The innovations presented herein thus provide a more flexible frontend game (e.g., slot game) development platform and a game engine that provides developers with the ability to easily insert their own custom logic steps or stages into outcome calculation and game flow/presentation. In addition, the improved game engine will provide developers the ability to have game execution flow defined externally—and in a way that it may be modified without the need for a recompilation of the configuration files and/or state machines with each code modification.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure enable system(s) and method(s) for creating and deploying an electronic skill-based activity, including implementing a matchup tool to determine a projected performance score for participants in real-world events based at least in part on historical performance data of each participant. The matchup tool creates suggested matchups for inclusion in a skill-based game by selecting, for each suggested matchup, at least two components, formed from one or more participants, expected to produce substantially similar scores in the skill-based game based on the projected performance score of each participant. The matchup tool renders for display to a game operator the suggested matchups to enable the game operator to interactively select suggested matchups for inclusion within the skill-based game.

Abstract: A computer activated system and method for selling pre-printed instant-winner lottery tickets, or digital simulation games, by use of a central computer communicating with widely-distributed terminals (including mobile devices and PCs), with each ticket providing a traditional instant-winner game with a chance for an added instant winner progressive jackpot and/or non-pre-designated fixed jackpot prize and/or the display of the simulation of such game on a terminal in conjunction with the optional display of advertising, and/or advertisers' images, and/or promotional offerings. The identification code printed on each ticket is read by a code reader, after the ticket has been issued from a vending machine, a clerk-assisted terminal, a digitally displayed terminal, or selected from an accessible display of inactive tickets, and the computer determines whether the ticket is a winner, and notifies the terminal at which the ticket is processed of the win or loss.

Abstract: A moving image processing method includes: generating a moving image including an animation of an avatar object of a distribution user, based on a motion of the distribution user; receiving a request signal that is generated based on a manipulation of a viewing user viewing the moving image and requests that a first gift object is applied to the avatar object from a terminal device of the viewing user through a communication line; displaying the first gift object that is applied to the avatar object based on the request signal on the moving image; and a second gift object on the moving image in a case where it is determined that the avatar object executes a predetermined action with respect to one or a plurality of first gift objects displayed on the moving image, based on the motion of the distribution user.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating pricing of virtual containers is provided. Item prices associated with obtaining item instances of virtual items in a game space may be determined. Probabilities that container instances of virtual containers will provide individual ones of the item instances of the virtual items upon activation by users in the game space may be determined. Container prices to be associated with obtaining the container instances of the virtual containers may be determined based on the determined item prices and/or the determined probabilities. A store interface may present offers to the users to purchase the container instances of the virtual containers at the determined container prices.

Abstract: A system and method of selling pre-printed lottery tickets for random draw lotteries through the retailers POS without the use of additional lottery hardware. Pre-printed lottery tickets allow a consumer to purchase a lottery ticket for a subsequently occurring draw by including that ticket in their shopping basket. The pre-printed lottery ticket may be purchased as any other common product through the point of sale terminal. No specialized hardware such as lottery terminal, printer or dispensing device is necessary.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in providing a random reward associated with at least one game are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving, by a gaming server, data representative of gaming activity of a player of the at least one game, providing, by the gaming server, a code associated with the random reward, wherein the code is representative of an entry to win the random reward, receiving, by the gaming server, data representative of a text message including the code, determining whether the player won the random reward based on the received code, and providing a notification indicating whether the player won the random reward.

Abstract: Advanced user experience study can be accomplished by enabling recording on a device such as a smart phone, providing a participant with one or more survey questions and a task. Typically, the participants are recorded and redirected to a starting URL. The recording can be terminated when the participant reaches a validation condition. Results, for example, videos, survey results, click flows, and heat maps may be filterable across any participant feature or any study validation criteria. Validation criteria includes time taken to complete a given action, ending up at a particular URL (or class of URLs), based upon question answers, or any combination thereof. These criteria can be classified as either a successful completion of the study, or a failed attempt. Additionally, the validation criteria can also include a decision by the participant to abandon the study.

Abstract: A program, embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which causes an information processing device that executes a game to execute: a step of causing an interface that accepts a user operation to be displayed; a step of storing first information related to game content on the basis of the user operation that is accepted by the interface; a step of storing second information related to game content that is selected among a plurality of items of game content by game content selection processing and is associated with a user; a step of comparing the first information and the second information; a step of causing a comparison result of the first information and the second information to be displayed; and a step of making a predetermined game effect capable of being exhibited in the game on the basis of comparison of the first information and the second information.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the purchase of digital lottery tickets, the validation of digital lottery tickets, and the redemption of digital lottery tickets. The systems and methods provide improved security and protection against fraudulent validation and redemption of digital lottery tickets.

Abstract: A method including receiving an activation request including an identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket for a pre-printed lottery ticket from a point-of-sale terminal, accessing a record associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket, determining if the activation request is valid, determining a set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket based upon the identifier uniquely identifying the pre-printed lottery ticket, determining a central gaming system responsible for administering a lottery with which the pre-printed lottery ticket is associated, and enrolling the set of attributes associated with the pre-printed lottery ticket in the lottery with the central gaming system.

Abstract: A lottery game is selected out of a plurality of lottery games in each of which a plurality of contents are set as a lottery target. A content is specified through a lottery out of the plurality of contents set as the lottery target in the selected lottery game. A lottery game is specified as a recommended lottery game on the basis of a predetermined condition out of lottery games that are different from the selected lottery game among the plurality of lottery games. In a lottery result display scene, a first image regarding the specified content and a second image regarding the specified recommended lottery game are displayed, and when a user operation on the second image has been performed, the lottery result display scene is caused to transition to a scene for the recommended lottery game regarding the second image.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are operable to include selecting a virtual prize container from a plurality of virtual prize containers that each correspond to one a plurality of prize levels in response to detecting a game event in a wagering game. The selected virtual prize container including information corresponding to the prize level and concealing a prize that is in the virtual prize container is awarded to the player. An input from the player that corresponds to the selected virtual prize container is received. In response to a player achievement level being at a minimum or higher level that corresponds to the prize level of the selected virtual prize container, the prize is awarded to the player.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are operable to include selecting a virtual prize container from a plurality of virtual prize containers that each correspond to one a plurality of prize levels in response to detecting a game event in a wagering game. The selected virtual prize container including information corresponding to the prize level and concealing a prize that is in the virtual prize container is awarded to the player. An input from the player that corresponds to the selected virtual prize container is received. In response to a player achievement level being at a minimum or higher level that corresponds to the prize level of the selected virtual prize container, the prize is awarded to the player.

Abstract: A ticket issuer server provides a digital instant lottery ticket, such as a smart contract instant lottery ticket (SILT) on a digital ledger, such as a blockchain infrastructure that supports execution of smart contracts. The ticket issuer server obtains an encryption key from a key issuer, encrypts a prize code with the encryption key to provide an encrypted prize code, creates an object, such as a smart contract representing the SILT, wherein the smart contract includes a ticket owner address attribute, a ticket issuer address attribute, a key issuer address attribute and the encrypted prize code, and stores the object on the digital ledger.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates broadly to a gaming device operable under control of a processor together with a method of operating a gaming device. The disclosure relates particularly, although not exclusively, to a gaming device and method where a wild symbol is in the course of a plurality of games extends along at least one of a plurality of symbol reels.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing one or more authenticable operating system volumes on an electronic gaming machine are provided. The systems and techniques may, for example, involve storing one or more datasets, each representing one or more operating system volumes for an operating system, on a shadow partition and then selecting one of those datasets as part of the boot process, authenticating it, and creating one or more operating system volumes on one or more operating system partitions of the electronic gaming machine. The systems and techniques may further involve causing a kernel of the operating system to execute from the newly created one or more operating system volumes only after authentication is successfully performed.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine, system, and method are disclosed for conducting a keno game. The keno game may be conducted alone or in conjunction with a bingo game. The electronic gaming machine may receive a wager from a player, and conduct the bingo game and/or keno game in response to the wager. Based on the wager, a quantity of numbered keno balls may be designated as feature numbered keno balls. The electronic gaming machine may conduct the keno game using the feature numbered keno balls, and display a bonus if and/or when one or more feature numbered keno balls match one or more player selected keno numbers.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating pricing of virtual containers is provided. Item prices associated with obtaining item instances of virtual items in a game space may be determined. Probabilities that container instances of virtual containers will provide individual ones of the item instances of the virtual items upon activation by users in the game space may be determined. Container prices to be associated with obtaining the container instances of the virtual containers may be determined based on the determined item prices and/or the determined probabilities. A store interface may present offers to the users to purchase the container instances of the virtual containers at the determined container prices.

Abstract: A gaming system, gaming device, and method using a deck of cards containing statistics and identifying information from real-world sports players is described. The cards in the deck may contain the player scores for a set of games or matches as well as other player-related information. The gaming system and device randomly generate a hand and randomly select one of the player's pre-determined scores for each of the cards. The user's score may be determined through a variety of methods utilizing the player scores on the cards in the user's hand. The outcome of the user's hand may be determined by matching the user's score with a pay table, or for a multi-user game, the outcome may be determined by finding the highest scorer among the participating users.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in providing a random reward associated with at least one game are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving, by a gaming server, data representative of gaming activity of a player of the at least one game, providing, by the gaming server, a code associated with the random reward, wherein the code is representative of an entry to win the random reward, receiving, by the gaming server, data representative of a text message including the code, determining whether the player won the random reward based on the received code, and providing a notification indicating whether the player won the random reward.

Abstract: A controller is configured to obtain, from a first camera associated with a ticket machine, a first image stream; transmit the first image stream to an application server; receive, from the application server, a first command for the ticket machine; cause the ticket machine to provide, based on the first command, a ticket having a scratching area; receive a user-provided scratching command from the application server; and cause a robotic scratching device to scratch the scratching area in accordance with the scratching command.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lottery syndicate system. The system includes a server for receiving confirmation of a lottery syndicate member, with a mobile internet device, being at a geographic location to qualify as a member of a lottery ticket syndicate. Typically, the geographic location is a store which has increased patronage by virtue of the lottery syndicate members being at that location.

Abstract: Gaming tables that support wager-based gaming are provided with input receiving devices that are structured to intuitively message to players what kind of wagers are permitted at which betting positions and when and then to automatically detect timely placement of such wagers at corresponding betting positions. This allows for faster unfolding of gaming action in that player confusion is minimized with respect to which wagers are being called for, when and where. An integrated compact sensor system is provided occupying slightly more table area than that needed for supporting wagering tokens of different denominations. The sensor system includes a large array of full color pixels (e.g., RGB capable pixels) for messaging to the players and proximity detection functionality for detecting 3D player hand gestures.

Abstract: An automatic feeder system may include: an input bin configured to store at least one physical request slip; a feeder unit; and a support frame. The feeder unit may include a feed neck operable to automatically obtain a physical request slip from the input bin and convey it out from an outlet of the feed neck. The support frame may support the feeder unit so that the outlet is configured to engage with an input of a retailer system engaged with the automatic feeder system such that conveyance of the physical request slip out from the outlet causes the physical request slip to enter the input of the retailer system and cause the retailer system to generate a physical ticket for the game of chance based on the physical request slip.

Abstract: A system and method of selling pre-printed lottery tickets for random draw lotteries through the retailers POS without the use of additional lottery hardware. Pre-printed lottery tickets allow a consumer to purchase a lottery ticket for a subsequently occurring draw by including that ticket in their shopping basket. The pre-printed lottery ticket may be purchased as any other common product through the point of sale terminal. No specialized hardware such as lottery terminal, printer or dispensing device is necessary.

Abstract: In an electronic gaming device, instances of a target symbol are swapped in to symbol positions of one or more reel strips using one or more index tables to identify the symbol positions at which to swap in the instances of the target symbol. The index table(s) can be configured to cluster instances of the target symbol according to a deterministic approach. Subsequently, spin results are determined for one or more spins of reels using the reel strips.

Abstract: A controller is configured to obtain, from a first video camera in proximity to a ticket dispensing machine, a first video stream; transmit the first video stream to an application server for delivery to a user device; receive, from the application server, a dispense command for the ticket dispensing machine; cause the ticket dispensing machine to dispense, based on the dispense command, a ticket having a scratching area; receive a user-provided scratching command from the application server; and cause a robotic scratching device to scratch the scratching area in accordance with the scratching command.

Abstract: A single player vertical roulette mechanism is directed that includes a stand, a wheel, a rotating rim and two drive mechanisms. The wheel is configured to be mounted to the stand and rotate relative to the stand. The wheel includes a plurality of numbers corresponding to a roulette wheel. One drive mechanism is affixed to the stand and configured to rotate the wheel. A second drive mechanism is affixed to the stand and configured to rotate the rotating rim. A roulette ball is fixedly mounted to the rotating rim. A plurality of lights are fixedly mounted to the stand between the stand and the wheel. A light illuminates the ball. The plurality of lights illuminate the wheel so the numbers are visible to a player of the vertical roulette mechanism. The stand is further connected to a seat for a single player such that the roulette mechanism can be substituted for a traditional slot machine cabinet.

Abstract: A facility is described that causes a map to be displayed to each of a number of users. From each of these users, the facility receives input in connection with the displayed map that selects a geographic location. The facility identifies one of the users who selected a geographic location closest to a target geographic location and causes a prize to be awarded to the identified user.

Abstract: A lottery transaction processing method is provided and includes receiving a lottery play request by a lottery play generation processor. The method further includes generating play information including a unique play serial number, and a play random number key, by the play generation processor, generating a play digital signature as a function of the play information and the play random number key by the play generation processor, transmitting the play information and the play digital signature, but not the play random number key, over a network to a gaming system server for storage by the gaming system server, and issuing a lottery play record including the play information and the play random number key by the play generation processor.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are presented for facilitating remote wager communications using mobile communications devices while the devices are within range of an authorized lottery transaction device. In various embodiments, lottery transaction devices are equipped with multiple Bluetooth-enabled transceivers, a lottery server manages identifiers associated with the transceivers at each lottery transaction device, and issues an identifier of an available transceiver to a requesting mobile communications device at the time the mobile device desires to consummate a player's desired transaction. Portions of the desired transaction can be communicated to the lottery server separately from the Bluetooth network to limit the time spent by a mobile device communicating directly with the Bluetooth-enabled lottery transaction device. In various embodiments, the mobile device issues a disconnect call to the lottery transaction device directly after the desired lottery transaction has been communicated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a virtual object grouping method and device, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method includes: in response to a grouping instruction, an operation state for grouping the at least one virtual object in a predetermined display area is activated; in response to a first selection instruction, at least one target virtual object to be grouped is selected from the at least one virtual object; in response to a second selection instruction, a target group is selected from at least one pre-created group; and the at least one target virtual object to be grouped is grouped into the target group. By means of embodiments of the present disclosure, the problems of small player operation space and low game operability in the related art are solved.

Abstract: A system for masking tax data during collaborative preparation of an electronic tax return, the system includes a server computer having a tax return preparation program running thereon. The system also includes a tax return preparation computer having a first browser program running thereon. The system further includes a support computer having a second browser program running thereon. Moreover, the system includes a network operatively coupling the server computer, tax return preparation computer, and the support computer. The first browser includes a masking module configured to automatically mask a tax datum without user intervention before transmitting the tax datum to the server computer for subsequent transmission to the support computer. The tax datum is masked in real time during collaborative preparation of the electronic tax return.

Abstract: When a first giving condition is satisfied, first giving of giving an in-game content selected from a content group including a plurality of in-game contents as selection target contents, to a user, is performed. Furthermore, an option as to whether or not to execute second giving for which an upper limit number of times of further giving is possible in addition to the first giving is set is presented to the user. When execution of the second giving is selected, if an exchange parameter satisfies a second giving condition, the parameter is changed and the second giving is performed. Moreover, the in-game content for which the first giving or the second giving has been performed is excluded from subsequent selection targets.