Abstract: A method for playing a multi-level game of chance wherein players can advance to the next level with a win. As the game progresses through levels, non-winning players are eliminated and winning players are segregated by type of win. In general, each level provides greater winnings. In another example game format, a progressive jackpot may also be offered.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a recurring lottery sustainable by a sustaining pool is claimed and described. In the method of the present invention, a drawing is held. Winners of the drawing receive a jackpot and are required to transfer part of the jackpot to a sustaining pool. Any given jackpot is drawn partially or entirely from the sustaining pool. The system includes one or more electronic devices and may be used to carry out the method.

Abstract: The present invention includes a variety of methods to issue awards based upon the order of appearance of symbols in the symbol matrix. An “In-A-Row” embodiment of the present invention displays symbols in random positions of the symbol matrix and issues awards for three or more same symbols appearing in sequential order. For example, the first symbol displayed is an “A,” the second symbol is a “B,” and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth symbols are “C”s. The sequential appearance of four “C” symbols results in an In-A-Row award.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a variation of keno in which the game player pays to play through any number of methods, reveals whether the player has a winning number of matches by playing a solitaire game, and then receives the appropriate winnings if any. The solitaire game may be played, for example, over the Internet or other network using a computer system. The computer system may be, for instance, a cell phone, a personal computer, a set-top box, kiosk, or other computing system.

Abstract: A gaming device having a container with at least one moveable object located within, one or more game elements capable of receiving and isolating the moveable objects, an actuator configured to attract the moveable objects to receptacle game elements, a game apparatus enabling a player to play the game, and a controller configured to determine a random game outcome and subsequently cause the actuator to move the objects to a game element to display the result of the game, is disclosed. Preferably, the actuator may be a magnet or a suction device, such as a fan, vacuum pump or vent. Display devices which include a container, moveable objects located within, one or more game elements, a suitable actuator to attract the moveable objects into or onto the receptacle game elements, and a controller associated with the actuator, are also disclosed. Further, a method of playing a game involving placing a wager using the game device described above is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine and method for conducting a crap slot game. The gaming machine includes a first display for displaying a slot game outcome and a second display for displaying a player interactive wagering interface. The method includes detecting selection of a first wager amount from a number of displayed wager amounts, detecting selection of a first wager cell from a displayed assemblage of wager cells. Each of the wager cells corresponds to one of a number of winning game outcomes having respective value payout ratios. The method further includes displaying the first wager amount in the first wager cell, displaying the game play outcome of the wagering game on the first display and awarding a value payout to the player if the game play outcome includes the winning game outcome corresponding to the first wager cell.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels.

Abstract: A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wild indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus has the ability to provide multiple winning events in a single play of an event. The apparatus may have a housing with a microprocessor, a first gaming display that displays at least one symbol from a first set of symbols, wherein predetermined symbol displays provide a first award. There is also a second gaming display that coincidently displays at least one separate symbol selected from among symbols within the first set of symbols. The gaming apparatus awards a second prize when the at least one separate symbol matches at least one symbol from among the symbol or symbols displayed in the first gaming display. The display for the second set of symbols is preferably active while the first gaming display is actively presenting the first set of symbols.

Abstract: A central determination gaming system with a keno game. Upon a player initiating a game play at gaming terminal, the gaming terminal enables the player to select a plurality of symbols. The gaming terminal accesses a standard set of predefined symbols for the specific game played. The gaming terminal bidirectionally maps the player's selected symbols with the standard set of predefined symbols. The gaming terminal receives a predetermined game outcome seed from a central controller. The gaming terminal utilizes the selected game outcome seed to generate a plurality of game symbols. The gaming terminal determines if each of the generated game symbols needs to be modified. If so, the gaming terminal modifies these generated game symbols based on the bidirectionally mapping, presents the modified game symbols to the player and provides the player a game outcome that is determined based on the selected game outcome seed.

Abstract: A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.

Abstract: The gaming apparatus of the present invention comprises a variable display unit configured to variably display a plurality of symbols, a front side display unit located in front of the variable display unit and configured to enable viewing of the symbols displayed by the variable display unit, an internally winning prize determiner configured to determine an internally winning prize, a stopping controller configured to stop the varying of display of the variable display unit based on a result of determination by the internally winning prize determiner, and wherein the front side displaying unit does not display any objects on an area for enabling viewing of the symbols displayed by the variable display unit, and a prize is awarded if a stopped state displayed on the variable display unit, which is caused by the stopping controller, matches a prescribed stopped state.

Abstract: A gaming console or system including a video display, and a game control processor arranged to control images displayed on the video display. The game control processor is arranged to play a first game displayed on the video display and, if a winning combination results, the console or system pays a prize. The console or system is characterised in that the game control processor includes a dynamic game feature whereby a feature game occurs upon a first trigger condition of the first game, and wherein a second trigger condition influences one or more gameplay aspects of the feature game such as to alter the likelihood of occurrence of at least one possible outcome of a set of possible outcomes of the feature game.

Abstract: A backlight for a reel assembly is disclosed comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). An array of red, green, and blue diodes are positioned behind a translucent reel strip to backlight three adjacent symbols on a reel strip. The LEDs are individually controllable to vary the color output of the LED array for a full spectrum of colors including white. Groups of LEDs can be illuminated to optimally illuminate any number of symbols of any size. The LEDs may be controlled to highlight special symbols such as by blinking or changing colors. LEDs are also arranged on both sides of the reel strip in a vertical array so as to outline the edges of the reel strip.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The gaming machine further comprises a selector applicable to a game feature where, upon a trigger condition occurring in a base game, a player is afforded an opportunity of predicting an outcome of the feature and, if the player's prediction is correct, a bonus is awarded to the player.

Abstract: Gaming devices and methods of playing games wherein an indication of the cards which have already been discarded or dealt is displayed for a player to view prior to making a decision. One embodiment is directed to a gaming device comprising a video display which is designed for the play of Blackjack. Other embodiments are directed to table versions of the present invention wherein physical playing cards are actually dealt to one or more players. At the conclusion of each hand, an indication of the cards dealt is displayed for viewing by all of the players.

Abstract: Disclosed are a game and method for a game including a perceived skill component comprising a skill-based award and a supplemental award that, when summed, are equal in value to a predetermined award.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of playing an electronic Keno style game of chance which allows a player to play a four card, touch screen, video keno game which allows the player to potentially play thousands of “WAY” tickets but which also allows the player to play different kinds of tickets on each of the four cards. The invention also has a Proof of Win feature which assists the player in determining which wagers are winning wagers. The object of the game is to bring additional excitement to the traditional Keno game by providing the Keno player the chance to win a lot more money if the player should obtain a winning ticket.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device and preferably a bonus round game of a gaming device that enables a player to initiate a randomly generated number, wherein said number determines the number of positions that a position marker will move along an enclosed path. Each time the marker lands upon a previously unmarked position, the game provides an award associated with that position to the player. When the marker lands upon a previously marked position, the game ends. The present invention also contemplates updating or changing the values of unmarked or unselected positions along the enclosed path by preferably adding to each unmarked or unselected position the value of the award of a previously selected position. That is, when the game randomly selects an unmarked position, the game provides the player with an award, wherein the game preferably replaces a previously achieved award with the award of the newly selected position.

Abstract: A wagering game in which a graphical indicator may be used to identify a positive outcome, or a negative outcome, or where multiple graphical indicators may be used to identify and distinguish both positive and negative outcomes in a selection game, which has a plurality of player selectable markers. The player may select markers to reveal an outcome. The outcome may be a credit award, a multiplier, or any other award that provides a player with a benefit, either monetary, or in the context of game play (e.g., a free selection). The graphical indicator is provided the player either on a random basis, as an incentive award for a player tracking system, or simply provided on the basis of game play criteria. The graphical indicator may also be used to denote a subset of markers, at least one of which has the indicated outcome.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating a shell game activity as a primary or secondary/bonus gaming activity in a mechanistic, electronic, or combined mechanistic/electronic manner. Embodiments of methods for presenting gaming payouts involve providing an automated shell-game device and presenting, to a player, a plurality of award elements having a positional relationship to one another, using the automated shell-game device. The plurality of award elements are obscured from the player's view, and subjected to an apparent shuffling in terms of relative position as perceived by the player. A selected award element is revealed to the player subsequent to the apparent shuffling, and a payout result is determined, based on the selected award element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a variation of keno in which the game player pays to play through any number of methods, reveals whether the player has a winning number of matches by playing a solitaire game, and then receives the appropriate winnings if any. The solitaire game may be played, for example, over the Internet or other network using a computer system. The computer system may be, for instance, a cell phone, a personal computer, a set-top box, kiosk, or other computing system.

Abstract: A method of controlling a gaming device is provided in which a set of a plurality of selections is displayed. The player is enabled to pick one of the selections. After one of the selections is picked by the player, an award is generated and provided from an award pool. One of the selections is eliminated from the set. The above steps are repeated until the player's picked selection is the same as the eliminated selection, wherein the set in each repeated step is reduced to include non-eliminated selections.

Abstract: A gaming device includes an award distributor having a plurality of sections having first and second coordinates, a symbol group and a plurality of modifier groups including the sections, a plurality of awards associated with the sections in the symbol group and a plurality of award percentages associated with the sections in the modifier groups, an illumination device associated with the sections, a section indicator associated with the award distributor and a processor in communication with the award distributor. The gaming device determines the first coordinate of one of the modifier groups and then spins the award wheel to determine the second coordinate of one of the sections in the indicated modifier group, which indicates the section. The section indicator also indicates a section including an award in the symbol group. The indicated award is multiplied by the indicated award percentage to provide an activation award to the player.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus enabling a low cost hardware upgrade path and low cost processor board retrofit for gaming machines. The enabling features include a two-board set made up of an industry standard form factor processor board (a single board system, able to support an operating system) coupled to an I/O adapter board, and further having a specially architected game kernel based on a UNIX-compatible operating system. The game kernel provides a consistent API to game applications, enabling quick and easy use of new hardware features while providing backward compatibility for existing game applications.

Abstract: A gaming device with a bonus scheme which includes a plurality of value sets and a plurality of inputs which a player can make. After a player makes particular inputs, the gaming device stores in memory or designates certain values in certain value sets which are associated with the input outcomes. After a terminating condition occurs, the gaming device awards the player with certain stored or designated values. This type of bonus scheme adds excitement to bonus rounds and increases player entertainment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system that allows the operator of video gaming machines or other systems to define promotional events for the particular machines or systems, monitor the activity of the particular machines or systems, and grant awards. More specifically, the promotional events may include scheduling information, winning criteria and awards. During the period of time that the promotional event is active, the activity of the machine or system is monitored to determine if the winning criteria has been satisfied. If the winning criteria are satisfied, information pertaining to event is recorded. The present invention is applicable to a variety of embodiments including video poker machines, black jack machines or other gaming and gambling machines, as well as other systems that include a display mechanism and an activity that can be monitored.

Abstract: A gaming machine for the playing of a game of chance wherein an outcome of said game of chance is determined by a predefined one of a plurality of payline patterns of indicia displayed on a display means by a game control module; said payline patterns formed of a selection of elements of a matrix of columns and rows and wherein the number of said elements forming any one payline pattern is greater than the number of columns of said matrix.

Abstract: A gaming machine with an improved game display is disclosed. Polyhedral reel strips are used in a gaming machine to present game outcomes in configurations previously not practicable. In addition, the polyhedral reels provide a game display that is more easily readable than can be obtained from the traditional mechanical circular reel.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention allow a player to play a game of chance. In some embodiments, the method can include communicating, by the central controller, with the game terminals; receiving, by the central controller, requests for verification of account identifiers and player authentication information; verifying to the game terminals, by the central controller, that the account identifiers and the player authentication information are valid; receiving, by the central controller, game information from the game terminals for games for which wager amounts were received by the game terminals; and based on the game information, adjusting, by the central controller, player account information associated with the account identifiers.

Abstract: A reel-type display wagering game is provided in which the symbols on the frames or positions of the pay line display are capable of having an ordered arrangement of separately provided and separately determined generic symbols and species symbols. The generic symbols may be provided in a number of ways. The generic symbols may be provided in a separate set of reels or frames, or may be added as subtext or supertext on the same frame or reel position as the species symbols.

Abstract: A gaming device including a display device, a plurality of different symbols displayable by the display device, a processor, an input device operable with the processor to enable a player to pick a number of the different symbols for the play of the game, the processor configured for said play of the game to cause a number of different symbols to be picked by the game, cause at least one symbol from the plurality of different symbols to be drawn for matching, count a first amount of like player-picked symbols and processor drawn symbols, count a second amount of like game-picked symbols and processor drawn symbols, and provide an award if any to the player based on a difference between the first amount and the second amount.

Abstract: A wagering game is played with symbol indicia having an order or rank. A player places a first wager to play in an underlying game. The player receives at least or exactly two indicia which are positioned among three possible orientations by the player. There is one indicia each, in any of three indicia positions defining a player's hand. The player places the two indicia, leaving one indicia position unfilled. A third indicia is provided to the player in the unfilled indicia position. The first wager is resolved at least in part based on whether the third indicia forms a sequence of order or ranks among the three indicia provided to the player. There may be a similar dealer hand against which the player hand is compared. Playing cards are preferred indicia.

Abstract: A gaming device that, after setting a count initially to zero, enables an input to be sent to the processor upon a player's selection of one of a plurality of displayed choices. After receiving the input, the game randomly generates a component from a preferably weighted database associated with the choice or with the order of the selection. The game adds the generated component to the count. The game awards the player if the updated count is below a predetermined game termination condition. The game ends if the updated count satisfies the game terminating condition. The game repeats this process until the updated count satisfies the game terminating condition.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device including a game apparatus adapted to allow a player to play a game. The gaming device may include a prize holder adapted to releasably hold a prize object in a controllable manner. The gaming device may also include a controller in communication with the game apparatus and adapted to cause the prize object holder to release the prize object. A display mechanism may be in communication with the controller and may be adapted to display the prize object to the player. The display mechanism may comprise at least one prize object receiver.

Abstract: In a gambling game a collateral gambling game which can be won by players on at least one specific event occurring in the principal game, the collateral game being separate from the principal game but one when any of the possible winning events occur in the principal game, the payment to the player divided by the total number of players who bet on the specific winning event. The game gives a possibility for a large number of players to share in the success of a single player who has successfully won the main game. It may be used with various types of games including those using electronic gaming machines.

Abstract: A plurality of symbols are randomly selected by a computer in the gaming machine and displayed to the player in the first stage of the process. One or more of the symbols are then selected by the gaming machine in the second stage of the process. An award to the player is based on the one or more selected symbols after the second stage. Such a two-stage process creates additional excitement since the player, after the first stage, hopes for the highest value symbol(s) to be selected in the second stage.

Abstract: A bonus controller for generating a competitive bonus game in a gaming system, the bonus controller having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The bonus controller being programmed to: receive wagering data corresponding to a casino game, enter a first player associated with a first gaming apparatus into the competitive bonus game when the first player obtains a qualifying win at the casino game, determine odds for the first player to win the competitive bonus game, vary odds of winning the competitive bonus game for at least a second player after entering the first player into the competitive bonus game, the second player having been previously entered into the competitive bonus game, determine an outcome of the competitive bonus game, and transmit data corresponding to the outcome of the competitive bonus game to a display unit.

Abstract: A gaming machine, with which a plurality of players play a game against each other, is provided so as to enable the players to perform realistic tactical interactions with each other. In a player-versus-player type gaming machine, a plurality of players including a virtual player prepared in advance play the game. Each virtual player is provided with individual personality data and/or response data and images of players are arranged to be displayed in accordance with these data. A change in expression of a real player may be captured by an image taking device.

Abstract: A gaming device including a mechanical display device including a main housing and a plurality of movable symbol displays mounted in the main housing, wherein each of the symbol displays includes at least one symbol. The main housing includes a substantially horizontal first axis which extends from the rear of the housing to the front of the housing. Each of the symbol displays are positioned on a separate second axis, which each intersect and are transverse to the first axis. Upon a triggering event in a game, each of the symbol displays move about its second axis and then stop and display at least one symbol to a player. The gaming device indicates one of the displays symbols and provides the indicated symbol to the player.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing, a value input device, a transparent panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a plurality of mechanically rotatable slot reels disposed in the housing so that the mechanically rotatable reels are visible to a player through the transparent panel. The gaming apparatus also having a light valve that includes a suspended particle device disposed between the inner surface and the slot reels, and a controller coupled to the light valve to cause the light valve to become opaque to substantially block the view of the slot reels to the player.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved Keno game, which provides an opportunity for the player to win free games. In Keno, the player chooses an amount of numbers to play, usually one to fifteen, and plays against the house. The game or house randomly generates numbers, usually twenty numbers from the numbers one to eighty. The number of matches generated and the amount of numbers the player plays determines whether and how much the player wins. One or more of the random generations is also a free game generation in the present invention, which provides one or more free Keno games to the player if the free game generation results in a match.

Abstract: A gaming device having a game with a grid which has a plurality of segments. The grid segments are defined by a plurality of independently selectable first coordinates and second coordinates. The gaming device provides the player with a number of opportunities to select segments of the grid and obtain awards by independently selecting both a first coordinate and a second coordinate.

Abstract: The present invention includes an interactive keno game method that comprises receiving at least one player selected symbol from a player during a game session. The at least one player selected symbol is drawn from a set of game symbols. The method then proceeds to receive a condition from the player that identifies the player credits applied for each chargeable action. The condition describes the number of credits that are to be played during each chargeable action. Each chargeable action includes the picking of at least one game selected symbol from the set of game symbols. During a game session the chargeable actions are performed more than once. Additionally, if there is a match between the at least one game selected symbol and the at least one player selected symbol the game session is paused. Furthermore, a prize may be awarded to the player when the at least one player selected symbol matches the at least one game selected symbol.

Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating the gaming device including interrelating bonus games in a bonus round by providing outcomes which transfer the player to one of the other interrelated bonus games. Each bonus game includes a different set of outcomes depending on what order the bonus game is selected by the gaming device or the player. Once an initial bonus game is selected, the player is presented with a plurality of selections which can include awards, award digits, modifiers, terminators, and other outcomes in addition to transfers to other bonus games.

Abstract: When a special symbol appears during play of the gaming machine game, the secondary game is initiated. At initiation, a bonus prize is determined by the secondary game microcontroller by consulting a bonus game paytable stored therein where each bonus prize corresponds to a bonus spot on the secondary game. A multi-ended pointer of the secondary game spins around the field of bonus spots and the player is prompted to select which end of the pointer is active. Upon selection of the end—e.g. blue or green—a microcontroller operating the spinner calculates the point at which the spinner will cease to spin so that the selected pointed end is pointing toward the selected bonus prize. The player is given the illusion that he or she controls which bonus prize is won since the green side of the pointer will point to a different bonus prize than the blue side.

Abstract: A keno game method includes initially randomly selecting a predetermined number of keno numbers to be drawn from the total keno number pool after the player has selected one or more keno numbered spots that the player hopes to match. The amount of keno numbers selected to be drawn from the total keno number pool varies from round to round and is determined randomly. A player will not know how many numbers are being drawn when the player makes his wager and selects the keno numbers he wishes to play.

Abstract: A gaming device having at least one changed or generated player stimulus and a method of changing or generating at least one player stimulus of a gaming device are disclosed for enhancing a player's interest, excitement, length of play, and enjoyment of the gaming device. The gaming device comprises at least one input device. A number or duration of activations of the input device is monitored and temporarily stored by a processor. The processor is capable of generating or changing at least one player stimulus or combinations thereof after a predetermined or random number of activations has been input into the gaming device or after a predetermined period of time the input mechanism has been activated. Further, the gaming device comprises of-at least one reset mechanism connected to the processor capable of resetting the gaming device for the generation of another gaming experience while a player is operating the device.

Abstract: A method of playing Keno in which the quantity of numbers drawn is increased by including the integer above and/or below each number drawn, for at least some of the numbers drawn. This effectively increases the quantity of numbers drawn without requiring any additional steps by the players or modification of ball drawing equipment. For example, after drawing 20 numbers, the respective integer above each of the first 5 drawn numbers can be included in the draw. Optionally these extra numbers can be treated differently from those drawn, for example by applying to an additional bonus wager.

Abstract: A gaming device including a mechanical display which includes a housing, a symbol display mechanism rotatably connected to the housing, a plurality of independent symbol display members including at least one symbol rotatably connected to the symbol display mechanism and a pivoting symbol indicator connected to the center of the symbol display mechanism. Upon a triggering event in a game, the symbol display mechanism rotates relative to the housing and each of the symbol display members rotate relative to the symbol display mechanism. The pivoting symbol indicator pivots downward towards one of the symbol display members to indicate the symbol on the symbol display member. The mechanical display may be used in a primary game, a secondary game or any suitable type of game.