Abstract: A system and method that generates a finite number of sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes, facilitates a selection of one or more sweepstakes entries from the finite number of entries, determines the result of each selected sweepstakes entry, allocates each nonzero result to the user, and provides the user with at least one of the selected sweepstakes entries, the result of each selected sweepstakes entry, the sum of all nonzero results from the selected sweepstakes entries, a code that is associated with the selected sweepstakes entries, and a program that is configured to cause a computer to interactively display to the results associated with the selected sweepstakes entries to the user. The results of the selected sweepstakes entries may be viewed in the form of a simulated game, or the user may log into an account associated with the user to view the total amount won.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes receiving a first wager amount from a player. The first wager amount initiating a first play of the wagering game. The first wager amount is deducted from an available-credits pool. An outcome of the first play is determined. In response to the outcome of the first play being a winning outcome, a credit amount associated with the winning outcome is added to the available-credits pool. Prior to a second play of the wagering game, it is determined that the available-credits pool is less than the first wager amount and, in response to that determination, an option to risk the available-credits pool is provided. The result of the risk being either (i) a triggering of the second play of the wagering game at the first wager amount or (ii) a reduction of the available-credits pool to zero.

Abstract: Methods and computer programs for providing animation to online roulette game during game play include providing data for enabling an interface on a device used for playing the online roulette game. The interface renders a grid identifying bet entries and a roulette wheel on which a ball is provided to determine outcome of the roulette game. A number on the grid on which a bet has been placed, is identified. A number is randomly generated to determine outcome of the roulette game. The number corresponds with a specific one of the plurality of slots defined in the roulette wheel in which the ball is to land. Graphical animation is provided at the roulette wheel to provide visual indication of the outcome of the roulette game as the ball is caused to move around the roulette wheel toward the specific slot in the roulette wheel corresponding to the generated number.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a central display with private secondary displays. The apparatus includes a central information handling device and a secondary generation module. The central information handling device generates a central image for a central display. The central display is in communication with a plurality of secondary devices communicating with a plurality of secondary displays. Each secondary device communicates with a distinct secondary display. The secondary generation module generates a secondary image for two or more of the secondary displays of the secondary devices. The central display is viewable concurrently by users of each secondary display.

Abstract: A player selection game feature includes picking hidden selections to accumulate matching symbols and win a prize. Symbol accumulation areas are displayed along with the symbol location field from which player selections are made. These symbol accumulation areas help the player track the game symbols which have been selected. As a prize bump bonus symbols may be included in the player selection game to increase the value of all available prizes in the game.

Abstract: While a player is playing one game on a gaming machine, the systems and methods described herein recommend other games to the player based on the player's real time game play, if the player is anonymous. Upon the player selecting a different game, the system may automatically transfers the player's credits between games or gaming machines. Each gaming machine may carry out one or more game.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and media for adapting single player games of skill to a gaming environment. This game gaming comprises: accepting, through the gaming machine, initiation of play by a player; providing one or more games of video game skill, wherein a Playfield is chosen from a Playfield Selection Pool wherein the Playfield is set to have a Maximum Available Payout and games are chosen from that Playfield; evaluating and recording the results of the play of the said game session in the said Playfield; presenting a Paytable to the player, wherein the Paytable comprises one or more lines of payouts based on a player's play results; evaluating and distributing any payout earned according to the best play results and the Paytable; and managing the variance of Return To Player (RTP) of the Paytable, by adjusting selection weights of different Playfields presented to a player.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a multi-player wagering game includes a multi-touch table surface that is touched by a handheld electronic wager input device (EWID) carried by a player for placing wagers on a wagering game displayed on the multi-touch table surface. Each EWID carried by a player has an associated unique identification code, which is linked to the respective player's account. Players indicate an amount to be wagered by touching the EWID to designated wager amount areas, then place the wager by touching the EWID to a designated wagering area. Because each EWID is uniquely associable with distinct player accounts, the gaming system can support any number of players placing wagers. The funds remain safe in the player account and no funds are stored on the EWID. Only the identification code is detected, which is compared with the associated player account before allowing that player to place wagers.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gaming systems for playing ball games where a ball is launched into a gaming area. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multiplayer gaming system comprising a ball game device having a launching mechanism for launching a ball into a gaming area to start a game, the gaming system further comprising a start control means for controlling start of the launching mechanism and a plurality of gaming terminals for a plurality of players, said gaming terminals including an input device for inputting a prediction and/or a bet for the outcome of a game.

Abstract: A communication terminal includes: a display, an input device for accepting a first operation instruction; a communication device for connection with a server and another terminal; and a control unit for receiving first contents from the server via the communication device according to the first operation instruction, determining whether connection with another terminal is established or not, transmitting the first contents to another terminal via the communication device when a determination is made that connection with another terminal is established, and causing the display to show the first contents.

Abstract: An interactive treasure hunt game is provided. Game participants receive a card, map and/or identification badge configured with an RFID tag, bar-code or a magnetic “swipe” strip or the like. The RFID tag or other identifying device is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or describing certain powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character that the card may represent. Players advance in the game by finding clues and solving various puzzles presented by the game. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, etc. All of this information is preferably stored on the RFID tag or card so that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for selling pre-printed instant-winner lottery tickets by use of a central computer communicating with widely-distributed enclosed vending machines and other terminals, with each ticket providing a traditional instant-winner game with a chance for an added instant-winner progressive jackpot prize. The identification code printed on each ticket is read by a code reader, after the ticket has been issued from a vending machine or selected from an accessible display of inactive tickets, and the computer determines whether the ticket is a progressive jackpot winner, and notifies the terminal at which the ticket is a processed of the win or loss. If the ticket has not been activated, the computer activates it. If necessary, the computer also supplies play data to be printed on the ticket or separate paper, or displayed to complete the traditional game and indicate the winning or loss of that game as well.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for providing a virtual conference. One embodiment is a method for providing a virtual conference that includes a conferencing system obtaining participant location information associated with a plurality of participant identifiers, the conferencing system establishing an audio conference with participants associated with the plurality of participant identifiers, and executing logic that selects a stored representation and communicates the stored representation to a rendering device that displays, during the audio conference, a graphical view responsive to the stored representation on a display device. A distributed system includes a conferencing system that establishes an audio conference among participants and a licensing application that communicates a representation to a rendering device that displays, during the audio conference, a graphical view responsive to the representation on the display device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminaire for road illumination, said luminaire (1) comprising a housing (3) containing a light source (5) provided with optics (6). The luminaire further comprising a sensor unit (7) adapted to measure optical properties of the surrounding of the luminaire and a calculation unit adapted to calculate the parameters for controlling the light output of the luminaire based on the optical properties measured by the sensor unit. According to the invention, the sensor unit is adapted to measure specular and diffuse reflection properties of the surrounding of the luminaire. These optical properties allow determining the type of weather or the road condition and adjustment of the light output of the luminaire, thus improving the road safety.

Abstract: A ticket management system (10) for a gaming system is disclosed. The ticket management system comprises at least one gaming machine (12) and is arranged to allocate tickets (22) to at least one gaming machine (12) in accordance with at least one allocation criterion (36). An award is provided to a player of a gaming machine (12) when a ticket allocated to the gaming machine corresponds to a winning outcome.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed that include generating a set of primary game outcomes with each primary game outcome being associated with a result in a primary game. A set of progressive prize bearing outcomes are associated with the set of first game outcomes according to a progressive win frequency rule. Each progressive prize bearing record is associated with a progressive win indicator and a progressive prize. A primary game outcome is determined in response to a game play request by a player. If the primary game outcome is associated with a winning result, the player is provided a corresponding award; independent of the primary game result, if the primary game outcome is associated with one of the progressive prize bearing records, the player is awarded a corresponding progressive prize.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fantasy video gaming system having a server and including a processor for executing computer program instructions and having a memory coupled to the processor for storing the computer program instructions, the programming instructions comprising: establishing at least one online video gaming tournament; accepting participants entry into the online fantasy video gaming tournament. The fantasy video gaming system may be capable of taking and distributing compiled player statistics and metrics to third-party subscribers, wherein the player statistics and metrics represent the overall performance of a single player, group of players, or a team of players across multiple online video games for use in a large-scale fantasy game scoring.

Abstract: A lottery second chance game program method is provided for a single lottery jurisdiction or across multiple participating lottery jurisdictions. The lottery jurisdictions are networked to a lottery server system. One or more production runs of primary game tickets are provide to each lottery jurisdiction, with each production run of game tickets having a total face value. For each of the production runs of game tickets, a percentage of the total face value is contributed by the lottery jurisdiction to fund prize awards in a plurality of second chance games that are common to all of the lottery jurisdictions. The plurality of second chance games are provided to all eligible players in all of the lottery jurisdictions by entry of a unique identifier from one or more losing primary game tickets into a central server system.

Abstract: A method of enabling the selection of a language to be employed as a method input language by a disambiguation routine of a handheld electronic device having stored therein a plurality of method input languages and disambiguation routine number, includes detecting as an ambiguous input an actuation of one or more input members, outputting at least a plurality of the language objects that corresponds to the ambiguous input, outputting an indicator which one of the method input languages is currently employed by the disambiguation function, and outputting a menu of input method languages in response to detecting a selection of the indicator.

Abstract: In a cashless gaming environment, a gaming patron has accounts and may accumulate winnings as well as different types of awards. Methods for efficiently exchanging the awards are disclosed. A secondary market is established for trading different goods and services. Liquidity of credits and awards is established.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating coupons for free gift presentation is provided, which encrypts an instant coupon number capable of indicating whether the instant coupon number is a winning number while allowing a customer who receives a coupon to immediately check whether he or she has won a free gift using a smart phone or the like.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing software objects in connection with a map-based game are disclosed. Embodiments of the presently disclosed invention provide players with the ability to participate in a map-based game that offers prizes or discovery in the form of software applications upon his or her selection of one or more grid units in a map-based game. For example, in a map-based game, one or more of the units on the gameboard may have embedded therein one or more Apps that, when selected by the player, cause the application to be executed, unlocking aspects or features of the map-based game or providing players with entertainment, advertisements, promotional information, education, social networking, games, or utility functions.

Abstract: A system and method for selling pre-printed instant-winner lottery tickets by use of a central computer communicating with widely-distributed enclosed vending machines and other terminals. Tickets used in the system either have no play data marked on them, or all of the data is in encrypted machine-readable form on the ticket. Deferred disclosure of win/loss results is provided at the ticket buyer's option. Internet tickets including gift tickets are created by using them to defer reporting game results until later inquiry by the recipient. The win/loss results can be retrieved remotely by the use of laptops, PCs and other mobile devices, at a time after sale. A two-ticket game is provided, preferably presenting poker hands on each of a pair of tickets for comparison with one another. Preferably, each ticket provides a traditional instant-winner game with a chance for an added instant-winner progressive jackpot prize.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to permit placing a wager on a pari-mutuel event in which expert handicapper's prognoses are displayed to a player to permit them to formulate either simple or complicated exotic wagers, and to be able to aggregate a wager with those of other players to satisfy wagering minimums.

Abstract: A user device in a system for selling gaming products receives a game play request from a user. Barcode information associated with a barcode at a location is obtained. The user device sends a gaming request associated with the game play request over a wireless network. The barcode information provides for verification that the gaming transaction occurs in a geographical location that is within the jurisdiction of the appropriate gaming authority.

Abstract: A gaming system for providing a multiple round offer and acceptance game with a multi-component offers. In various embodiments, the offer and acceptance game is a multi-round offer and acceptance game, wherein the player's decisions during one or more rounds of the offer and acceptance game determine, at least in part, whether the player will play or participate in each of the subsequent rounds of the offer and acceptance game. In these embodiments, for each played round of the offer and acceptance game, the gaming system enables the player to accept or reject one or more different offers which have different award values and also contribute different amounts toward terminating the play of the offer and acceptance game.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system configured to award a gaming patron based on gaming session financial results of the patron. The system may be configured to obtain game play information for the gaming session of the patron. The system may be configured to determine an actual financial amount lost by the patron and a theoretical financial loss amount based on the game play information. The system may use the actual financial loss amount and the theoretical financial loss amount to determine whether the patron is eligible for an award. Responsive to the patron being eligible for an award, the system may determine an award and then award the patron via a mobile computing device associated with the patron. In some implementations, the system may include one or more of a game, a game play sensor, a processor, a mobile computing device, electronic storage, external resources, and/or other components.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for delaying an outcome of a roulette game is disclosed. Accordingly, the system includes a roulette wheel and a glass cover attached to the roulette wheel, the glass cover configured to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state in response to electrical signals. Game circuitry is configured to operate a ball release mechanism to launch a ball around an inner circumference of the roulette wheel, and to send electrical signals to the glass cover while the ball is in to change the glass cover from the transparent state to the opaque state so that the ball cannot be viewed from outside the glass cover. After the ball has stopped, signals are sent to change the glass cover from the opaque state to the transparent state, so that the ball and the outcome of the game can be viewed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a secondary game of a wagering gaming system, and particularly the increase of an award in the secondary game by the value of different multipliers associated with different amounts wagered in a primary game. A secondary game provides a total award to a player based on the multiplier associated with the wagered amount in the primary game by applying the multiplier to the amount of the award earned by the player in the secondary game. A particular wagerable amount may be associated with a multiplier that is predetermined, or randomly selected from a group of predefined multipliers, or selected from a group based on a probability. The range of possible combinations of wagerable amounts and multipliers are displayed to the player in the base game to provide an incentive to maximize the wager.

Abstract: Systems and methods for map-based lottery games are disclosed. According to one particular embodiment, a method for a map-based lottery game may comprise: establishing a game having a gameboard based on a map that includes a plurality of units; receiving from each of a plurality of players a selection of at least one available unit on the gameboard; uniquely associating each said player with the selected at least one unit such that each unit on the gameboard is associated with no more than one of the plurality of players; and conducting a lottery drawing to select at least one first unit from some or all of the plurality of units such that any player associated with said at least one first unit becomes a first winner of a prize.

Abstract: A Blackjack game has a multi-hand feature in which a player may re-use one or more cards from a first hand in additional hands. A Blackjack game may also include a bonus event. The bonus event has two or more designated bonus element, such as card hands. If one of the bonus elements is achieved as the result of play of a first Blackjack game, the bonus event is triggered. A bonus award is paid to the player if the player receives remaining required bonus elements as a result of the play of additional Blackjack games during the bonus period. The game is preferably played against a dealer at a video Blackjack machine and offers the player the opportunity for awards for each Blackjack game win and one or more additional bonus awards.

Abstract: Aspects for pooling lottery winnings are disclosed. In a first aspect, a relationship structure is generated among nodes having a lineage of related nodes arranged in a hierarchy. A series of numbers are respectively assigned to a portion of nodes and a winning node is identified. Compensated nodes are then selected that include the winning node and at least one non-winning node. In another aspect, nodes are monitored over a series of lottery games in which winning nodes are tracked and compensated nodes are identified. Nodes are then valuated based on a corresponding historical winning metric according to lineage taken over the series of lottery games. In a further aspect, nodes are placed in a relationship structure and a winning node representing an actual lottery game win is identified. A distribution of a corresponding payout among compensated nodes is then ascertained.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting system and method for an e-ticket are disclosed. The anti-counterfeiting system includes a ticket service center, a handheld device, a ticket checking device, and a database. The ticket checking device identifies the e-ticket information shown on a display of the handheld device at least twice. The e-ticket is verified by using the handheld device to execute a ticket software including an e-ticket service. The handheld device obtains at least one e-ticket information from the ticket service center via a network link. When the display of the handheld device shows that the e-ticket information is read by the ticket checking device and is verified by the database, the ticket service center transmits an e-ticket verification information to the handheld device, and the display of the handheld device then shows the e-ticket information for the ticket checking device to check again.

Abstract: Wagering games include promotional events and promotional awards, such as the award of free or reduced cost goods and services. Promotional awards may be reward by the receipt of property logo symbols during game play. Promotional awards rewarded at one casino may be redeemable only at a second casino. Promotional awards may be rewarded based upon game play metrics of identified or anonymous players.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers. The systems and methods may include scrape away functionality. The system, device, and/or method may include a plurality of reels with one or more paylines formed on at least a portion of the plurality of reels. The system, device, and/or method may include a memory which may include a plurality of scrape away structures. The system, device, and/or method may include a processor which may generate one or more areas where each area may cover one or more symbols. Further, the processor may remove the one or more areas to reveal one or more covered symbols based on a selected tool and a selected area.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide systems and methods that establish a betting pool associated with a plurality of pool participants and associated with a plurality of real-life events scheduled to occur over a time period. For a first participant of the plurality of pool participants, the systems and methods may receive a first points wager on a first predicted outcome of a first real-life event of the plurality of real-life events, update the points balance in the points account based on the first points wager and on a first actual outcome of the first real-life event, receive a second points wager on a second predicted outcome of a second real-life event of the plurality of real-life events, and update the points balance in the points account based on the second points wager and on a second actual outcome of the second real-life event.

Abstract: A method and associated lottery game card/ticket are provided for implementing a ticket-based, multi-component lottery game and includes providing lottery tickets for players, wherein the lottery tickets include a first game component with a first prize structure and at least one additional game component with a separate second prize structure. A first validation code is provided on the lottery ticket that is linked to a first game server for validating and redeeming the first game component of the lottery ticket. A second validation code is provided on the lottery ticket that may be linked to a separate second game server for validating and redeeming the second game component of the lottery ticket. Validation and redemption of the lottery ticket for the first and second game components is enabled by separate redemption acts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating a ticket to participate in a lottery draw. The ticket combination of elements is generated using an outcome of a computer-controlled interactive game, preferably a video game, played by at least one player. The elements of the ticket combination are selected among a list of predetermined elements, the predetermined elements corresponding to possible outcomes for the interactive game. The ticket combination may depend on the success of the player in the computer-controlled interactive game. Some of the participants may purchase a ticket bearing a ticket combination without using an outcome of the computer-controlled interactive game. Subsequently, the elements of a winning combination are randomly drawn among the list.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for implementing progressive systems on networked gaming machines. Some implementations allow a target progressive pool size to be selected and apply payouts such that the actual progressive pool size is not likely to exceed greatly the target progressive pool size. Some implementations control the actual progressive pool size by applying a function to control percentages of the progressive pool size payable to players. The function may be a function of a current progressive pool size, target progressive pool size and bet size. The function may cause relatively higher percentages to be payable to players when the current progressive pool amount is greater than a target progressive pool size and relatively lower percentages to be payable to players when the current progressive pool size is less than or equal to a target progressive pool size.

Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed. One method includes receiving player input to activate a primary game; activating the primary game; presenting the activated game on a single screen of a video display, the activated game comprising a primary game displaying one or more game icons in various locations on a main screen of the video display and upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the primary game appears to animate at least one of the displayed game icons and move one or more wild icons about the main screen of the video display over one or more of the game icons, and randomly replacing one or more of the game icons with the one or more wild icons; determining whether the resulting combination of game icons and wild icons form any winning combinations; and awarding a single game payout for the primary game.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more auto-play game functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more auto-play game functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more auto-play game functionality.

Abstract: A lottery game and systems and methods for administering the lottery game wherein the lottery administrator defines game parameters that in turn define the contours of a game instance pool. Time based games are created by defining the duration for which the pool remains open to wagering or a date and time in the future when it closes. Pool based games are created by limiting pot size or number of participants and the pool is closed when the limit is reached. Outcome based games are created by defining or receiving multiple outcomes to be associated with bets placed. Wagers are made on plays of alphanumeric combinations that correspond to one or more entries into a pool array, from which one or more winners are chosen in a random drawing subsequent to the close of the pool.

Abstract: A lottery game and systems and methods for administering the lottery game wherein the lottery administrator defines game parameters that in turn define the contours of a game instance pool. Time based games are created by defining the duration for which the pool remains open to wagering or a date and time in the future when it closes. Pool based games are created by limiting pot size or number of participants and the pool is closed when the limit is reached. Outcome based games are created by defining or receiving multiple outcomes to be associated with bets placed. Wagers are made on plays of alphanumeric combinations that correspond to one or more entries into a pool array, from which one or more winners are chosen in a random drawing subsequent to the close of the pool.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine for playing a game with area and numerical winning thresholds. The method and machine present a plurality of distinct elements which are grouped into a plurality of subsets whereby a player can select both a sub-plurality of elements and at least one subset. A set of random elements is selected from the set of elements which also determines at least one random subset. The set of random elements is compared to the sub-plurality of player selected elements and the player selected subset to the random subset. A player is rewarded if the set of random elements and the set of player selected elements have a pre-determined minimum number of common elements and/or if the plurality of player selected subsets and the plurality of random subsets have a second, pre-determined minimum number of common subsets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique of outputting a win result message of a certain item to a game screen of all users when the certain item is won during usage of a lottery item that may be used by a selection input and one of a plurality of items may be won during the usage in an online or an offline game. A method for providing an item usage service includes receiving usage input from a user terminal for a lottery item that is capable of being used in a game and in which any one among at least one predetermined item is won in the usage through a server providing an item usage service; selecting and providing one of a first win item having a predetermined win probability and a second win item having a higher win probability than the first win item according to the win probability when receiving the usage input; and generating a win result message for the first win item win when the selected win item is the first win item to be displayed at a game screen of all users connected to the game.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a computer system that includes at least one server and software stored on a computer readable medium accessible by the at least one server; at least one database accessible by the at least one server and is configured to store the game data of the at least one personalized game; a plurality of specifically programmed input devices, where the at least one server, the at least one database and the plurality of specifically programmed input devices are connected through a computer network; where the plurality of specifically programmed input devices are at least a thousand of specifically programmed input devices; and where the at least one server is configured to manage, in real-time, the at least a thousand of specifically programmed input devices.

Abstract: A system and a method of conducting games of chance with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount are described. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games of chance, games of chance facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method shown here. Players may also receive enhanced awards such as enhanced player points based on the amount of the initial investment, or based on other parameters and factors. Awards and bonuses may also be provided to players who exhaust an initial investment exceeding a threshold amount. Other different variations and combinations of the games and winnings are also explained in details.

Abstract: A system and a method of conducting games of chance with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount are described. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games of chance, games of chance facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method shown here. Players may also receive enhanced awards such as enhanced player points based on the amount of the initial investment, or based on other parameters and factors. Awards and bonuses may also be provided to players who exhaust an initial investment exceeding a threshold amount. Other different variations and combinations of the games and winnings are also explained in details.