Abstract: The embodiments disclose an apparatus including at least one device configured for registering, recognizing, and authenticating a player/user of an online lottery scratcher system, at least one device configured for communications between the online lottery scratcher system and at least one digital programmable online lottery scratcher application, at least one player/user wireless touch screen device for interactively interfacing with the at least one digital programmable online lottery scratcher application to display a digital scratch off ticket, and at least one functional system configured for virtual scratching off of a digital scratch off ticket.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing the wagering game, and trigger a free-spin event in which a plurality of free spins is awarded. For a first spin, a first number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. For a second spin, a second number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. The second number of arrays is non-equal to the first number of arrays. Any awards associated with each determined award condition are provided.

Abstract: Some systems, processes, apparatus and articles of manufacture provide for selling lottery entries. In one example, a request is received to purchase a multiplier and a set of play indicia for a lottery game.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to manage attract software package access, storage, and execution scheduling for wagering game machines. A wagering game machine may operate to determine the availability of one or more attract packages, as well as to determine whether any available attract packages comprise an active attract package based on one or more schedules. The gaming machine may access one or more of the available, active attract packages and present them. The attract packages and associated schedules can be loaded into the gaming machine using a number of mechanisms, including a server and a machine-readable medium.

Abstract: A gaming method may include receiving a value amount to initially define a value total, and causing video images to be generated, the video images representing a game including at least one value-generating event. The method also may include deducting a fee at intervals from the value total independent of play of the game represented by the video images, determining based on the fee a value payout associated with the at least one value-generating events, and adding the value payout to the value total. A gaming system or gaming apparatus may include a controller programmed to operate according to the gaming method. Further, a memory may have a computer program in accordance with the gaming method stored thereon.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securely generating lottery games are presented. A final game generation seed number is formed from multiple seed numbers from multiple and differing parties such that no one party has the ability to create the final seed number without the other parties' consent or knowledge. Since the final seed number is required by the software that governs the distribution of prizes within a game and is therefore required to produce valid game data, no one entity would have enough information to determine the location of a winning prize. This creates an environment of transparency such that all parties must agree on the terms that result in the formation of the final seed number from the individual seed number fragments in order to produce a game.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts which are ranked. In one embodiment, if a bonus event triggering condition occurs, the gaming system determines one of the plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts to utilize for the triggered bonus event. In one such embodiment, the determined bonus event average expected payout is based on a player's current wager and a quantity of accumulated bonus event points or units. In this embodiment, the gaming system enables players to accumulate bonus event points based on one or more aspects of a player's previous gaming experiences during a designated period of time. The gaming system then displays a bonus event to the player and determines a bonus event award, wherein the determined bonus event award is in accordance with the determined bonus event average expected payout.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for enabling real-time competition based on commodities.

Abstract: In a first aspect, there is described an optical system for monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The optical system comprises an electronic image detector and a reflector arranged to reflect light from a ball play volume of a roulette wheel onto the electronic image detector. The electronic image detector is configured to form an image of the ball play volume from the reflected light. In a second aspect, there is described a method of monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The method comprises the steps of using a reflector to reflect light from the ball play volume, and forming an image of the ball play volume from the reflected light. In a third aspect, there is described a method of manufacturing an optical system for monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The method comprises the steps of providing an electronic image detector, and providing a reflector arranged to reflect light from a ball play volume of a roulette wheel onto the electronic image detector.

Abstract: Methods for processing online gaming operations. One method includes determining that a player has completed a game of chance. The game is accessible from a plurality of devices having online access. Completing the game includes a requirement that a player of the game must play from more than one of the devices. The requirement that the player must play from more than one of the devices includes a requirement that the player must present an identifier at each of the more than one of the devices during completion of the game. A requirement is provided that the player needs to collect specific outcomes when playing from the devices. The method further includes providing a reward to the player in response to determining that the player has completed the game. The method is executable by a processor.

Abstract: A lottery instant-game ticket and method of making same. On a substrate is placed a first set of game indicia including a first set of game symbols, and a second set of indicia larger than the first set of game indicia and including a second set of game symbols, and includes any winning symbol. A subset of the second set of game indicia with each symbol including a non-winning indicator. The first set and second of game indicia are covered with a removable covering, with the covering having position indicators positioned substantially over each of the first set of game indicia, and identical game symbols positioned substantially over a corresponding identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia such that removal of the identical game symbol reveals the identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia and any non-winning indicator, if present.

Abstract: In a gaming machine, a controller executes a base game, and triggers the bonus game including a plurality of unit games when a result of the base game satisfies a predetermined condition. The controller determines reachable cells of the character in each unit game of the bonus game. The controller determines an expected value of an award provided in each reachable cell by distributing predetermined credits to the reachable cells in each unit game. The controller determines a number of cells by which the character moves along with the course in each unit game, moves the character to any one of the reachable cells according to the number of cells in each unit game, and determines an award to be provided to the player according to the expected value of a cell at which the character arrives in each unit game.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels is disclosed. The method includes: providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels; determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome; and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel, initiating a secondary game when a secondary game trigger symbol is presented on the shared base award-multiplier reel, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lottery system for redirecting an online lottery client to impede crashing owing to increased traffic during a lottery jackpot. The system includes node servers including a first node server and a second node server. A broker server indicates to the first node server that the second node server is allocated to the client so that the first node server can redirect the client to the second node server to distribute traffic among node servers and impede crashing.

Abstract: There is described herein an online video game having a news network module for generating news feeds for broadcasting inside and outside of the video game. The news feeds may comprise virtual world news and/or real world news and may be customized as per individual player settings or operator settings.

Abstract: A wagering game is played on processor-based gaming apparatus including: providing a gaming apparatus of processor, video display and gaming input system; after a wager, the processor executes code to play a first wagering game and display images associated with the first wagering game on the video display; when the processor recognizes a predefined trigger outcome, bonus play of a second game different from the first wagering game begins; the processor identifies bonus points accumulated during bonus play distinct from any wagering credits; the processor displays at least two distinct bonus events of a first bonus event played on the first wagering game and a second bonus event played on the first wagering game. The first bonus event and the second bonus event being activated by the processor diminishing accumulated bonus points. An amount of bonus points needed to activate the first bonus event is different from an amount of points needed to activate the second bonus event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of systems and methods of playing a slot machine game in which players accumulate elements during one or more spins and at the conclusion of any spin may record the accumulation of said elements for future use at the same or different slot machine game. In three preferred embodiments, a player accumulates: the cumulative number of times one or more predetermined symbols appear in the symbol matrix; the cumulative number of points awarded by the game for winning symbol combinations appearing in the symbol matrix; or a set of predetermined winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to systems and methods for providing gaming insurance to casino operators by aggregating historical gaming results over an electronic medium or network of qualified casino patrons who choose to participate in one or more gambling loyalty programs and modeling those players against available games within a specific property to predict future gross gaming revenue so an insurance contract can be structured to protect against statistical variances in the gross gaming revenues.

Abstract: An item can be provided to a user by a lottery and the item odds can be changed in accordance with a prescribed condition. A control method, performed by a server device connected via a communication line to a terminal device operated by a user, comprises the step of selecting a lottery mode from among a plurality of lottery modes, the step of following the selection of the lottery mode, holding a drawing from among a plurality of types of items on the basis of the selected lottery mode, and the step of following the holding of the drawing, providing the won item to the terminal device.

Abstract: A server includes drawing means (121) for drawing an item by lottery from among an item group including a plurality of types of items with different scarcity values and providing the item to a user, and additional item providing means (122) for providing an additional item to the user in accordance with a provision count of the number of times an item is provided by the drawing means (121).

Abstract: A method for conducting a lottery second chance game program defines a quorum condition for entry into a second chance games, wherein a plurality of losing game tickets in a primary lottery game are needed to satisfy the quorum conditions. A quorum value is assigned to the game tickets and is linked to a unique identifier on each game ticket. Game ticket data is received from entries by players of losing game tickets, including the unique identifiers. The quorum value for the entered losing game tickets is applied to the quorum conditions for the second chance games. A prize value is established for each of the second chance games that appears to the player as a rolling prize that varies over time but is a fixed amount predetermined by one of the losing game tickets used to satisfy the quorum condition for the respective second chance game.

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: A player is permitted to reinvest winnings to play additional instances of an online game. In one specific example, the player may choose, at a point of sale (POS), a reinvestment option that specifies how winnings are used to automatically purchase additional game instances. In one example game format, the player may be permitted to select a reinvestment option at the point of initial purchase of the game. The player may be permitted, for example, to limit his/her reinvestment as a function of their initial investment. In another example, the primary game result is driven by the result of a secondary game, such as a lottery or casino-based drawing (e.g., a Keno drawing). The secondary game is then played, and any additional plays as a result of the reinvestment are also played. Results of the secondary game and the additional games are sent to an online gaming system.

Abstract: A multi-station game machine, including at least two stations that are configured to accept player inputs, a wheel having a plurality of sections including symbols, the wheel being configured to rotate, the wheel being disposed so that a front surface of the wheel can be seen from at least two players, and a controller for controlling a first game performed by the wheel and a second game performed on the stations, wherein the wheel is configured to enable at least two players to simultaneously play the first game respectively using the stations, wherein the stations are configured such that the players bet a game value on the symbols via a bet area displayed on a display provided on each of the stations, and wherein the controller triggers the second game based on a win of the first game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining bad beats in wagering games are disclosed. If the bad beat is determined to be compensable, some form of compensation is provided to the player. The compensation can include providing a free entry into a second wagering game. The second wagering game can be a site-wide wagering game in which a plurality of player may be simultaneously participating.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. In some embodiments, a count is adjusted throughout a multiple play session based on point values associated with symbols on the reels of a slot machine, and payouts are awarded in accordance with (i) a finishing count, and/or (ii) a “virtual average speed”.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates generally to a method and system for conducting a lottery drawing that includes two or more potential prizes that are tied to the life of a winner of the prize. A first prize, in certain embodiments, is a payment made in first regular installments throughout the remaining lifetime of the first prize winner and a second prize, in certain embodiments, is a payment made in second regular installments throughout the remaining lifetime of the second prize winner. In certain embodiments, the first regular installments may have a different periodicity and different value than the second regular installments.

Abstract: According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a gaming machine includes one or more display devices configured to display a wagering game, a knocker, and one or more memory devices. The knocker includes a first impactor configured to strike a first portion of the gaming machine, and a motor coupled to the first impactor. The motor is configured to selectively actuate the first impactor to strike the first portion of the gaming machine with one of a first impact force and a second impact force. The one or more memory devices store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the gaming machine to actuate the knocker in response to an occurrence in the wagering game.

Abstract: In various embodiments a display may allow a secondary player to select a game of an appropriate primary player.

Abstract: A method for lottery play on a mobile device including a GPS receiver and a wireless data connection includes receiving coordinate data from the GPS receiver. Accuracy data is received from the GPS receiver. A region of confidence within which the mobile device is known to be within is determined based on the accuracy data received from the GPS receiver. An extent to which the region of confidence is within a pertinent jurisdiction is determined. Lottery play over the wireless data connection of the mobile device is permitted when it is determined that the region of confidence is entirely within the pertinent jurisdiction.

Abstract: The present invention provides players with fun brought by a moveable component. A gaming machine 1 comprises a game result determination unit, determining a game result; a game execution unit, executing a game in such a manner as to reach the game result; a moveable component, disposed at a position visible from outside, and configured to be capable of mechanical movement; and a movement control unit, enabling the moveable component to move in a movement pattern corresponding to the game result.

Abstract: A roulette game device is configured to make prediction of a game result difficult by making timing at which a bet operation ends variable.

Abstract: A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A matching game is triggered for play by a plurality of players while the players are performing a transaction. A matching rule is established for playing the matching game and a jackpot pool is established for awarding prizes to the players. The players are allowed to initiate a session by logging onto a gaming machine to perform the transaction and the players are identified. A selected set of symbols are established for each player and a match set of symbols are generated. The matching game is triggered in response to a predetermined trigger where only the players in the current session are eligible for the matching game. The match set of symbols are compared against each selected set of symbols. The prize is responsively awarded from the jackpot pool to each player whose selected set of symbols satisfies the matching rule.

Abstract: A table game system having a table surface and a shuffling device for holding a set of cards. Each of the cards in the set of cards bears indicia relevant to determining an outcome of a game of chance. A computer is in communication with the set of cards for determining the indicia of each of the plurality of cards. The table system has a plurality of local terminals in communication with a computer and associated with the table surface for receiving wagers adjacent the table surface. A plurality of remote terminals associated with the table surface for receiving a wager from a player located remotely from the table surface. The plurality of remote terminals are each in communication with the computer. The computer is configured to resolve any wagers from the plurality of local terminals and the plurality of remote terminals automatically based on the outcome of the game of chance.

Abstract: Systems and methods enable a player to play a game of chance. The methods include providing a player card to be used with the game, wherein the player card includes a predetermined number of spaces for displaying player indicia. A processor enables a player to select one of a plurality of available patterns for the player card, wherein a plurality of the spaces is included within each of the available patterns. The processor also enables the player to select a plurality of player indicia for the selected pattern, wherein each player indicia is displayed within one of the spaces included within the selected pattern. A plurality of house indicia is randomly selected. The processor determines whether the house indicia matches the selected player indicia for the selected pattern, and determines a payout based upon the determination whether the house indicia matches the selected player indicia for the selected pattern.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems and apparatus for enabling a lottery player to receive information corresponding to a lottery outcome in association with receipt of an incoming communication. In an implementation, the method includes receiving an indication of an incoming communication, determining a lottery entry outcome, and determining an audible output based on the lottery entry outcome and on the indication of the incoming communication. The method also includes outputting the audible output via a player device to indicate both the incoming communication and the lottery entry outcome.

Abstract: A method of collecting, graphically displaying, managing, and directing individual contributions and distributions of pooled funds and/or investments online to enable participants to share in the purchase of lottery tickets, to bankroll casino table game players, to invest, or to bet, alone or in any combination. A Pool-in-Pool method is included to allow some proportion of a pool to be used to buy into other pools, thereby enabling players to increase the odds of winning a given prize by increasing the number of games to which their bets apply and the jackpots to which they have some claim. The method is enhanced by user determined combinations of games combined within a pool and participation of pools in varying percentages of other pools, allowing users to set the statistical advantage sought and to determine the level of acceptable rate of loss.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In certain embodiments, the existing lottery infrastructure is used in conjunction with electronic remote game play. A player receives a ticket identification number (TIN), optionally via lottery game play, and then plays an electronic game based upon the TIN. The remote system contains information associated with the TIN, for example, identification of which game will be played, and in a predetermined context, whether the player is to win or lose, and if they win, the form of the prize.

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 multi-player 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: Use of the present invention provides a method and system for selecting the winning tickets in a lottery game. The method adds to traditional lottery games a social network element, which will influence the winning ticket selection process. The top prize level is still determined by a traditional random draw, but lower-level prizes are determined based on a ticket-holder's proximity in the social network to players that won the higher-level prizes. In a simple form the 2nd level prizes will go to players that have direct connections in the social network (friends) to a 1st prize winner. Players can manage their social network independently from purchasing the tickets. Traditional sales outlets may be used for ticket sale. Pre-existing social networks may be utilized in the dedicated social network for the game.

Abstract: A roulette game machine has a plurality of stations. The roulette game machine accepts a side bet operation carried out by players at the plurality of stations. The roulette game machine accumulatively adds one portion of the gaming values on which a side bet was placed, as a progressive payout. In case of granting a progressive payout, the roulette machine determines a station to which the progressive payout will be granted, from the stations at which the side bet operation has been carried out.

Abstract: A method for verifying the age or location of a player of an Internet-based lottery game entails providing lottery tickets for purchase by players at an authorized retail location, the lottery tickets having a game authorization code that is entered by the initiate play of the Internet-based lottery game on an internet enabled device. The age of the player is verified at the retail location and a separate verification password is entered via a terminal that is in communication with to the lottery system central computer, with the password linked to the game authorization code. Upon initiating play of the game via a web site, the player enters the verification password separately from the game authorization code. An Internet game server communicates with the lottery system central computer to ensure that the entered verification password corresponds to the linked verification password prior to permitting play of the Internet-based lottery game.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for combining symbols in gaming devices. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to display a plurality of game elements each including a game symbol on a game display in response to a game initiation signal. When one or more predefined game conditions are satisfied, the method further includes combining two or more of the game symbols in a single game element. In some instances, one or more of the symbols that left their respective game elements are replaced with additional game symbols. The resulting game grid may then be evaluated to determine prizes associated with winning symbol combinations, including using one or both of the symbols combined in the single game element in the winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: There is described herein an interactive game having both lotterized and skill-based wagering aspects embedded therein. A skill-based game is used to provide players with the challenge and entertainment value that they are accustomed to experiencing in popular mobile games, while adding the possibility of collecting real world winnings via lotteries and other forms of wagering.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game comprising a value input device for receiving a wager, a display for displaying a plurality of selection groups, and a processor coupled to the display. Each selection group includes a plurality of selectable elements. The processor is operative to alternately select the elements in the selection groups until encountering an end-feature condition, and provide awards associated with the selected elements.

Abstract: A lottery system/slot machine interface has been developed. The interface includes an electronic detector to detect selected slot machine event occurrences and generate event occurrence notification signals upon detection of the selected events. The invention also includes an interface that detects the event occurrence notification signals, analyzes the signals and outputs a lottery entry command. Finally, a printer receives the lottery ticket printing commands and prints a lottery entry ticket.

Abstract: Methods for generating a group of numbers usable for selections in a lottery are described. A user interface to a lottery selection method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a game in which symbols can be selected more than once. In one embodiment, the gaming system initiates a play of the game, displays a plurality of different symbols, and receives a selection of at least one of the symbols to form a player symbol set. The gaming system randomly selects a designated quantity of the symbols to form a gaming system symbol set. Each of the symbols can be selected more than once. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player symbol set with the gaming system symbol set, and provides any determined awards. If an additional award opportunity triggering event associated with the gaming system symbol set including a plurality of instances of a same one of the symbols occurs, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines, gaming tables, hand held gaming devices and/or community gaming displays. The central server monitors wagers placed on any games played. Based at least in part on the wagers placed, the central server determines when one or more bonus events will occur and which players to provide any bonus awards.