Plural Lots (e.g., Keno, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/18)
  • Patent number: 9039519
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CADILLAC JACK, INC.
    Inventor: Jerish Augustine
  • Patent number: 9039509
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may utilize bingo mapping gaming options. The systems and methods may include bingo mapping functionality in a Class II environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan Michael Mullins, Donald James Rollo, III, Ray Edward Bornert, II
  • Patent number: 9039513
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Terence G. Daly, Kimberly J. Cohn, William E. Rommerdahl, John LaSalvia, John E. Garofalo, Jr., Nathanial A. Hammond, Jack A. Martin
  • Patent number: 9033799
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Duane R. Decker, Nicholas B. Mayne, Lee E. Huber
  • Patent number: 9033787
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Incredible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Hodgson, Leonid Smikun
  • Publication number: 20150126263
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing keno on multiple cards with a two-draw cycle where hits from a first draw are replicated from a primary card to at least one secondary card while misses from a first draw are not replicated from the primary card to the at least one secondary card. An independent second draw for each card completes the game cycle resulting in different game outcomes based off the same first draw cycle. The player is awarded where appropriate for each game outcome on each of the cards played.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: CENTURY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bradley James Fredella, Steven W Arntzen
  • Patent number: 9017161
    Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more additional payline awards made through special symbols appearing in the game. The number of additional paylines is determined based at least on the special symbol present. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a payline meter zone on a dedicated display or beside the reels which emphasizes to the player the amount of additional paylines provided and their application in the prize award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Watkins
  • Patent number: 9011231
    Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Norman C. Gilman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 9011234
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein allow the users to influence various aspects of a game by selecting digital objects associated with a user's digital object collection to be integrated into customized digital object holders to provide a slot machine like functionality. Each of the digital object holders can have a number of positions, and each position can have a digital object associated with it. The user can choose which digital objects are associated with each digital object holder, in accordance with a rule set which can control which digital object can be associated with the digital object holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Conard
  • Patent number: 9011251
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Jason C. Gilmore, Thomas M. Kopera, Christy Juinsuk Olson
  • Publication number: 20150105135
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide systems and methods for a lottery game combined with a fantasy sports league. The method may include receiving selections for multiple participant categories from a user, wherein the multiple participant categories are related to one or more statistical performance measurements for a participant in a future sporting event; converting the selections into numerical lottery numbers; comparing the numerical lottery numbers to actual statistical performances after a sporting event; determining, based on the comparing, if there is at least one winner; and assigning at least one prize to the at least one winner if there is at least one winner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy F. S. Cobb, Anthony S. Oddo
  • Publication number: 20150105134
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide systems and methods for a lottery game combined with a fantasy sports league. The method may include receiving selections for multiple participant categories from a user, wherein the multiple participant categories are related to one or more statistical performance measurements for a participant in a future sporting event; converting the selections into numerical lottery numbers; comparing the numerical lottery numbers to actual statistical performances after a sporting event; determining, based on the comparing, if there is at least one winner; and assigning at least one prize to the at least one winner if there is at least one winner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy F. S. Cobb, Anthony S. Oddo
  • Patent number: 9005009
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides a player-selectable base game and a player-selectable side game, both of which may be played and wagered upon concurrently or according to some play sequence. The selected base game may be one of several themes or types of game displayed on a portion of a primary display of the gaming machine and the selected side game may be one of several themes or types of game displayed on a remaining portion of the primary or an alternate display. The potential prizes may be stand-alone as with a prize table or networked as with a prize pool having fixed or progressive prizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Felipe Salazar, Bradley W. Johnson, Allison L. Pope, Brian A. Watkins, Clint Owen, JP Cody
  • Patent number: 9005022
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which retains, saves or stores zero, one or more of any symbols removed during the play of a primary cascading symbols game. In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which sequentially layers a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids at different depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Brian F. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8998709
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods providing an estimated emotional state of a player based on the occurrence of one or more designated events. When a player initiates a gaming session, the gaming system estimates the player's emotional state and generates estimated emotional state data that represents that estimation of the player's emotional state. For each of one or more designated events that occurs, the gaming system updates the player's estimated emotional state using an expected emotional response to that designated event. More specifically, the gaming system updates the player's estimated emotional state data using expected emotional response data representing the expected emotional response to that designated event. If one or more triggering conditions associated with the player's estimated emotional state is satisfied during the gaming session, the gaming system modifies one or more functions, aspects, or features of the gaming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Sean M. Gilliand
  • Publication number: 20150094129
    Abstract: A promotional game is conducted over participants' cell phones. During a play period, a participant advances on a virtual game board using cell phone commands. During the play period, participants' gaming wagering is used to generate drawing tickets. Each player may text COUNT to receive a text message containing his or her current board position and total tickets accumulated. Alternatively, or in addition, he or she may go to the casino, text the word STATUS and have the same information depicted with accompanying animation on a video display. At the end of the play period each player may text PEEK to receive a message indicating whether or not he or she has won any prizes. To learn the number of prizes and their worth, the player may go to the casino, text the word REVEAL and have the prize details depicted with accompanying animation on the video display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: John F. Acres, William M. Adamson, Patrick B. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8992302
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 8992329
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for planning and customizing a gaming vacation. Initially, a central controller receives preference and configuration data from a user at a user terminal. A preparation code is then determined and associated with the configuration data. The configuration data and the associated preparation code are transmitted from the central controller to a casino server. The central controller provides feedback regarding the user's requests. The feedback may include, for example, marketing offers for the user and/or configuring a gaming device according to the configuration data associated with a preparation code received from a user at the gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Norman C. Gilman, Scott T. Friesen, Steven M. Santisi
  • Publication number: 20150087380
    Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for providing a keno game during which matches from a previous keno game are carried over to the keno game are described herein. A keno board is displayed having a set of available numbers and a first set of one or more matches identified between player selected numbers and drawn numbers from a previous keno game. A first set of drawn numbers from the set of available numbers is selected. The number of the first set of drawn numbers is modified by number of matches in the first set of matches. The payout to the player is calculated based on the first set of matches and a second set of matches between the first set of drawn numbers and the player selected numbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Bradford D. Brown, Benjamin R. Holsclaw, Thomas J. Humphrey, David R. Lark, Ronald P. Papson
  • Publication number: 20150087381
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to a method of providing a game that includes displaying a board showing a plurality of spots. Draws for a plurality of draw sets are selected. A number of draws hitting each spot on the board are determined. The display of the board is updated to indicate the selected draws. Payout to the player is calculated based on the determined number of draws hitting each spot on the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Kyle A. Larson
  • Publication number: 20150087379
    Abstract: A method is provided for playing a keno game that allows for selection of proxy spots in addition to standard spots. A keno board is displayed showing a set of available numbers. A set of numbers is selected. The set of selected numbers is a sub-set of available numbers, and the selected set comprising a first sub-set of numbers and a second sub-set of numbers. For each number in the first sub-set of numbers, a number from the second sub-set of numbers is selected to link to the number in the first sub-set of numbers. A set of drawn numbers from the set of available numbers is selected. Hits are determined by comparing the first sub-set of numbers and the second sub-set of numbers and the drawn numbers. Payout is calculated based on the determined hits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Toby F. Naylor, Jerry L. Byrd
  • Patent number: 8986093
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system and method modifying of one or more options provided to a player based on the player's previously chosen options. When a triggering event occurs, the gaming system displays an indication of each of a first plurality of options and enables the player to choose one of the first plurality of options. The gaming system stores player choice data representing the player's chosen one of the first plurality of options. Upon an occurrence of one or more modification events, the gaming system modifies the first plurality of options based at least in part on which of the first plurality of options were previously chosen by the player. Following a subsequent occurrence of the triggering event, the gaming system displays an indication of each of the modified first plurality of options and enables the player to choose one of the modified first plurality of options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Scott A. Caputo, Kevin N. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8986104
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a gaming system providing a multiple streak game associated with a base or primary wagering game. The multiple streak game includes a multiple streak having a multiple streak continuation condition and a single streak having a single streak continuation condition. The multiple streak is initially the active streak. If an outcome a play of the base or primary wagering game satisfies the multiple streak continuation condition, the multiple streak remains the active streak and the player may win an award. If the outcome does not satisfy the multiple streak continuation condition but satisfies the single streak continuation condition, the multiple streak ends, the at least one single streak is set as the active streak, and the player may win an award. If the outcome does not satisfy either the multiple streak continuation condition or the at least one single streak continuation condition, the multiple streak game ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark C. Nicely
  • Patent number: 8986097
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a lottery ticket to a player of a hybrid game having a gambling game portion and an entertainment game portion are provided. One or more lottery tickets are generated by a lottery system and transmitted to the hybrid game where the one or more lottery tickets are held in a queue. Attendant rules for issuing a lottery ticket are also transmitted to the hybrid game. The hybrid game receives player actions from the entertainment portion of the hybrid game and, based on the player actions and the attendant rules, awards a lottery ticket to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 8979634
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for executing a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed which includes a memory device that stores instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes the gaming system to: display a symbol array at a first position of a three-dimensional (3D) space; display a 3D object at a second position of the 3D space, the 3D object having two or more surfaces each lying in a respective plane of the 3D space and each having a respective symbol modifier; display the 3D object and/or symbol array moving towards each other; display, in the symbol array, symbols indicative of a wagering-game outcome; and, in response to the 3D object engaging the array, modify each of the symbol-array symbols by the symbol modifier of the 3D object which engages that symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Larry J. Pacey, Joel R. Jaffe, Dion K. Aoki
  • Patent number: 8974280
    Abstract: A gaming display apparatus includes a primary rotating device and a secondary rotating device. The gaming display apparatus also includes a rotary drive mechanism attached to the primary rotating device. A Geneva wheel mechanism is attached to the secondary rotating device. The rotary drive mechanism includes a pin for engaging the Geneva wheel mechanism. The pin and the Geneva wheel mechanism drive the secondary rotating device. A method for display of a game includes driving a primary rotating device with a drive mechanism, attaching at least one Geneva wheel to a secondary rotating device, and driving the secondary rotating device using a pin on the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Kehl LeSourd
  • Publication number: 20150065240
    Abstract: Table game tournament systems can include player terminal(s), electronic gaming table(s), and/or a remote server. A player terminal can have an outer housing, a controller located therewithin or thereabout, input and output component(s), and a communications interface to an outside gaming network having other functionally similar gaming device(s), gaming table(s), and a remote server. The controller and/or server can facilitate providing tournament information to a player, which information can include whether the player would qualify for the next tournament round, who is the most serious opponent to the player, and/or the chip difference therebetween. A terminal can also facilitate asynchronous and individually paced tournament play, switching between different tournament tables on demand, and play of other non-tournament table games thereat simultaneously with the play of the table game tournament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Publication number: 20150065222
    Abstract: A keno game may be provided during which at least some of the drawn numbers are redrawn. A keno board may display a set of available numbers. Upon the player's selection of numbers on the keno board, a set of drawn numbers may be generated. The drawn numbers that match the player selected numbers may be locked on the keno board, while the generated numbers that are not matches may re-drawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Paul P. Lovaas, Toby F. Naylor, Daniel L. DeFrance
  • Patent number: 8968073
    Abstract: System and method providing reel sets for subsequent plays. A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. The user device displays a base reel set spinning. A server determines an outcome for the current play and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates second reel set data and outcome data to the user device. The reels are stopped in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays the second play of that game using the second reel set, the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount, and communicates third reel set data to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark C. Nicely
  • Patent number: 8968072
    Abstract: A gaming machine and a controlling method thereof are provided. The gaming machine includes a mechanical symbol display unit which includes: a rotatable reel having a peripheral face with a plurality of symbols thereon; an illuminating device that is provided within a space on an inner periphery side of the rotatable reel and is controlled to emit light of at least two different colors; and an illumination controller. The symbols include a special symbol having at least two translucent portions each having a unique color that is the same as one of the at least two different colors. The at least two colors are selected in a way that, the special symbol is observable as a symbol in one single color or a symbol with a pattern of at least two colors according to the color of the emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Osawa, Kenta Kitamura, Takeshi Iso, Tatsuya Teranishi
  • Patent number: 8961293
    Abstract: To display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and in a case where trigger symbols are stop displayed in any of the plurality of display regions, to draw for specific display regions where trigger symbols are displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that the symbols are displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols in at least game units, and at the same time, to draw for general display regions that have symbols other than the trigger symbol displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Konami Gaming, Incorporated
    Inventor: Eiji Aida
  • Publication number: 20150050970
    Abstract: Electronic gambling methods and systems comprising an electronic computer system operating electronic gambling software and a data analytics engine that can be accessed by players using computing devices are disclosed. During the players' gambling sessions provided by the electronic gambling software, the electronic gambling system will present an “Investment Wager” to the players to induce them to move some or all their funds remaining in their gambling accounts to one or more investment accounts. The Investment Wager is implemented and designed based upon findings from behavioral economics, including loss aversion, the priming effect and the framing effect. The entity managing the electronic gambling system can act as the manager of the investment accounts, thereby yielding a potential revenue stream to the entity/manager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Racho
  • Patent number: 8956216
    Abstract: Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Kehl LeSourd, Anish Cherian Mathew, Megan Oehlert, Mindy Eustaquio, Jean Pierre Legras
  • Patent number: 8956212
    Abstract: A method of playing a bingo-type game includes the steps of generating a result of the game and displaying a representation of the result. The representation of the result of the game is displayed through a mechanical technological aid station. An apparatus for playing the game includes a server and the electronic play station in operative communication with the server. The server generates the called numbers, which correlate to the result of the game, and the electronic play station includes the mechanical technological aid for displaying the representation of the result of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon P. Yarbrough, David L. Wright
  • Patent number: 8956217
    Abstract: Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jack Henry Brooks, Kehl LeSourd, Anish Cherian Mathew, Megan Oehlert, Mindy Eustaquio, Jean Pierre Legras
  • Patent number: 8959459
    Abstract: A gaming system and a method for conducting a wagering game that allows accurate determination of a player gesture input. A gaming terminal for playing the wagering game including a controller is disclosed. A touch surface is provided for actuation by a player gesture associated with an input to the wagering game. A sensor array underlies the touch surface to sense the motion of the gesture. The sensor array is coupled to the controller. The controller determines a trajectory represented by the gesture based on the sensed motion from the sensor array. A display is coupled to the controller to display movement of an object image based on the trajectory represented by the gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Joel R. Jaffe, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 8951116
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a slot machine game. Different wheels can spin simultaneously and paylines can bridge across different wheels to form combinations. Wheels can share intersecting symbols, wherein when one wheel spins it takes the intersecting symbol with that wheel, and when the other wheel that shares the intersecting symbol spins it takes the intersecting symbol with that wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas Koenig
  • Patent number: 8951110
    Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a Digital Gate-based, multi-player lottery game by providing lottery tickets for players that may include a first game component with a first prize structure and an entry into a multi-player network wherein a plurality of players combine their respective entries to complete a multi-player game, such as a puzzle. Upon successful conclusion of the multi-player game, the players are awarded a prize separate from the first prize structure. A code is provided on the lottery ticket that enables the player to access a designated Internet website and place their entry into at least one of a plurality of ongoing multi-player games with other players. Respective validation files associated with the lottery ticket codes are updated to reflect prizes won in the multi-player games, wherein players may present the lottery ticket and assigned code if required for redemption in the multi-player game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Stanek, Kenneth Earl Irwin, Jr., Amy Hill
  • Patent number: 8951112
    Abstract: A display device having bet areas where a plurality of bet objects are displayed and a unit bet buttons where a plurality of bet amounts are displayed and a touch panel which is provided on the front surface side of the display device to be able to receive a touch input from the outside and detect a touched position of the touch input are included. When the touched position of the touch input corresponds to any bet amounts in the unit bet buttons, a bet amount is determined based on this touched position. When the touched position of the touch input continuously moves at least in the bet areas, betting on each bet object on the moving path among the bet objects in the bet areas is received with the bet amount determined using the unit bet button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Kido
  • Publication number: 20150038209
    Abstract: A method of providing a keno game includes, but is not limited to any of the combination of: displaying a keno board having a first predetermined number of keno board spots; receiving a player selection of a second predetermined number of keno board spots; selecting a first plurality of drawn balls; and calculating a player award in part based on data associated with the first plurality of drawn balls, wherein at least two of the drawn balls in the first plurality of drawn balls are duplicates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: David R. Lark
  • Publication number: 20150038210
    Abstract: A method of providing a keno game for plays with duplicate draws is provided. A keno game including a keno game board having a first predetermined number of keno board spots is displayed. A player selection of a second predetermined number of keno board spots is received. Drawn balls for a plurality of ball sets are determined. The determined drawn balls are displayed with one or more paylines overlaying at least some of the drawn balls in the plurality of ball sets. A player award based at least in part on evaluation of each payline is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: David R. Lark, Bradford D. Brown
  • Patent number: 8932124
    Abstract: In various embodiments, players may compete in a gaming context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Lee Amaitis, Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Publication number: 20150011287
    Abstract: A game of chance is disclosed allowing an outcome determined by the actions of a player. The game of chance comprises a layout defining a plurality of cells. A first portion of the cells each have a winning indicia contained therein, and a remaining portion of the cells each have a non-winning indicia contained therein. The winning and non-winning indicia are initially concealed to a player and are selectively revealable by the player. The player may select a limited number of cells to reveal the indicia contained therein. An object of the game is to maximize a number of winning indicia revealed by the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: John G. Lovell, SR.
  • Patent number: 8926422
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving, at a wagering game server, a request from a mobile device to play a wagering game via a selected wagering game machine among a plurality of wagering game machines on the wagering game network. The operations can also include associating the mobile device with the selected wagering game machine, wherein the associating allows receipt of input for the wagering game from the mobile device. The operations can also include receiving, via the wagering game network, commands resulting from inputs accepted by the mobile device. The operations can also include determining a result of the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Randy S. Demsetz, Mark B. Gagner, Paul M. Lesley, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 8926423
    Abstract: The gaming system, gaming device and method disclosed herein determines whether to provide at least one of the plurality of progressive awards to the player based on that player's measured level of skill in: (i) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game, (ii) a skill-based progressive award sequence, or (iii) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence. The determination is based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player which tend to measure that player's level of skill in at least one of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Cameron A. Filipour, Alexander Popovich, Adam M. Singer, Ali M. Saffari, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8926424
    Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more controllers and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more controllers, cause the gaming system to initiate a wagering game to be played via a gaming machine and in response to a pause event, temporarily pause the wagering game-in-progress, prior to revealing a final outcome of the wagering game. While the game-in-progress is paused, the one or more controllers allow the gaming machine to participate in a community event along with a plurality of other gaming machines and in response to an end-pause event associated with the community event, reinstate the paused game-in-progress at the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon Englman, Michael G. Feeney
  • Publication number: 20140370959
    Abstract: A method for mobile game play includes determining a location of a mobile device from one or more of GPS, NFC, RFID, or Bluetooth. An accuracy value of the location of the mobile device is determined. A region of confidence within which the mobile device is known to be within is determined based on the determined accuracy value. The region of confidence is substantially circular with a center at the determined location and a radius that is proportional in length to the determined accuracy value. An extent to which the region of confidence is within one or more pertinent jurisdictions is determined. Mobile game play is permitted when it is determined that the region of confidence is entirely within the one or more pertinent jurisdictions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: MICHAEL W. YACENDA
  • Patent number: 8911287
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods providing an estimated emotional state of a player based on the occurrence of one or more designated events. When a player initiates a gaming session, the gaming system estimates the player's emotional state and generates estimated emotional state data that represents that estimation of the player's emotional state. For each of one or more designated events that occurs, the gaming system updates the player's estimated emotional state using an expected emotional response to that designated event. More specifically, the gaming system updates the player's estimated emotional state data using expected emotional response data representing the expected emotional response to that designated event. If one or more triggering conditions associated with the player's estimated emotional state is satisfied during the gaming session, the gaming system modifies one or more functions, aspects, or features of the gaming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Sean M. Gilliand
  • Publication number: 20140364188
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating one or more base wagering games in an extended format are provided. Outcomes for the base wagering game may be determined, and based on the outcomes, player rankings in the extended play wagering game may be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: GTECH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas J. Napolitano
  • Patent number: 8905833
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to select one or more playing cards from a plurality of playing cards, wherein different playing cards include or are otherwise associated with one or more different symbols. The gaming system then determines if any matches occur amongst the plurality of symbols of a plurality of playing cards (including at least the player's selected playing card(s)). Following such a determination, the gaming system determines and provides zero, one or more awards based on one or more of: (i) which, if any, matching symbols occurred amongst the plurality of symbols of the plurality of playing cards, and (ii) a quantity of symbol matches which occurred amongst the plurality of symbols of the plurality of playing cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Leandro Basallo, Scott A. Caputo