Plural Matches Create Pattern (e.g., Bingo, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/19)
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Patent number: 9138643Abstract: The present invention relates to an online flash game system and method, a flash game web page providing method, a web server for providing web pages for flash game execution, and a storage medium for recording method programs. When a flash game execution is selected, a skin flash module performs a skin flash, which is a frame on a flash game screen, on a user terminal screen, and controls a UI flash module and a game contents flash module. The skin flash module displays the skin flash, which is a frame on the flash game screen, on the user terminal screen, and controls the UI flash module and the game contents flash module.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: NHN Entertainment CorporationInventor: Zoo Il Yang
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Patent number: 9135773Abstract: Described is a method of constructing prize structures that are particularly useful in gaming systems which can be used to implement various games such as bingo and poker. In particular the described pay structures and game systems can have sufficient granularity such that the outcome or payoff of the game being played can be expanded to provide higher payout amounts as well as closely replicate the payoff of a second game. Included are methods and apparatus for playing bingo games and determining which bingo cards are winners. In addition, methods and apparatus for evaluating or checking each card in a bingo game using a bit marked card technique and vector operations are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Inventors: Gordon T. Graves, Martin A. Keane
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Patent number: 9105159Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a game-winning pattern of game indicia on one or more game arrays having unique combinations of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game arrays to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. Each player matching a game-winning pattern may receive game-winning award, and may receive a game-winning award for each game array on which a game-winning pattern is matched. The method and gaming unit may further include an alternate outcome display wherein an outcome of a second wagering game may be displayed that corresponds to the outcome for the player on the one or more game arrays for the occurrence of the multi-player wagering game.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: IGTInventor: Lee E. Cannon
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Patent number: 9105148Abstract: A method of operating a gaming system is disclosed. The method includes: enabling, using one or more processors, play of a first game on a gaming machine; enabling, using one or more processors, play of a second game on a user interface that is operatively coupled to the gaming machine, wherein the gaming system enables a player to choose which bonus game to play out of a plurality of bonus games independent of player ranking and bonus level, wherein each of the plurality of bonus games may be initiated on demand, wherein once the player chooses the bonus game to play on demand, the chosen bonus game is presented to the player via the player tracking user interface; and enabling, using one or more processors, wherein the gaming system enables a player to activate the second game displayed on the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis W. Lockard, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
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Patent number: 9098971Abstract: The gaming system that includes a server, a Class II gaming machine communicatively coupled to the server, and a processor. The processor is programmed to, upon an input of a wager by a player operating the Class II gaming machine, provide a bingo based game on the Class II gaming machine, the bingo based game including gaming content that includes at least one bingo game card, determine that a triggering event has occurred during play of the bingo based game, and based on the triggering event, providing the player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Cuddy, Lyndsay Nelson, David Rehm
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Patent number: 9076288Abstract: Disclosed is a game participation extension system for extending, broadening and promoting gaming participation, in a regularly recurring game, including: a game instance tracking module to track one or more instances of the regularly recurring game, a virtual game generator to substantially in real-time generate virtual representations mirroring game events from the tracked game instance and to transmit the virtual representations to a computing appliance of a prospective player, and a virtual wager module to accept virtual wagers made by a prospective player through their respective computing appliance.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: PAYMAX LTD.Inventor: Amir Rosenheimer
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Patent number: 9067131Abstract: Systems and methods enable one or more players to play a game of chance. A system includes a processor and a memory device for storing instructions to provide a game of chance in which house indicia are selected from a pool of house indicia, and wherein a payout from a first pay table is awarded if a player matched a plurality of player indicia with the house indicia. The processor randomly selects a plurality of house indicia, provides a random chance of selecting at least one bonus indicia, determines whether player indicia within a pattern match the house indicia, and provides a payout to the player if the bonus indicia matches at least one player indicia within the pattern and if each player indicia within the pattern are matched by the house indicia. The payout is based on a second pay table that is different from the first pay table.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Gaming Arts, LLCInventors: David Colvin, Eric D. Colvin
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Patent number: 9061199Abstract: A ball delivery device, system, and method housing a plurality of balls for a game session is presented. The ball delivery device includes a mixing chamber, at least one instruction to start the game session, an identifier, at least one arm, a ball holder, a reader and a tube. The mixing chamber receives the balls for the game session. After receiving an instruction to begin the game session, balls are singly drawn from the mixing chamber. The identifier disposed on each ball uniquely identifies each ball. The arm mixes the balls in the mixing chamber. The ball holder disposed on the arm holds a single ball that is randomly selected from the mixing chamber. The reader reads the identifier of the ball selected by the ball holder. The tube receives each selected ball and holds the selected balls after the identifier reads the ball and until completion of the game session.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: TRIPP ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Warren Tripp, Bryan Born, Ray Duer, Al Grinsell, Michael Hall, Ken Juenke, Rick Smith, Matt Walsh
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Patent number: 9064380Abstract: The gaming system that includes a first gaming machine operated by a first player, wherein the first gaming machine is configured to present a game to the first player upon receipt of a wager from the first player, and a second gaming machine operated by a second player, wherein the second gaming machine is configured to present the game to the second player upon receipt of a wager from the second player. The gaming system further includes a processor programmed to receive, from the first player, a request to execute a game play event, and in response to receiving the request to execute the game play event from the first player, execute the game play event for the first player and the second player.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jon Yarbrough
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Patent number: 9053609Abstract: A method for determining an award during a keno game includes, but is not limited to any of combination of: generating a predetermined number of draws for placement on a keno board during the keno game, wherein the keno board includes a predetermined number of spots; evaluating a plurality of sub-regions of the keno board associated with the keno game for matches between the generated draws and one or more predetermined patterns; and determining an award based on results of the evaluating step.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Daniel L. DeFrance, Jerry L. Byrd, Christopher K Sehy, Tyson Joehler, Ross D Wenker, Bradford D. Brown
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Patent number: 9039510Abstract: In a game system or a drawing machine for a jackpot game, a drawing unit of the drawing machine for a jackpot game performs jackpot drawing in a manner that a player who plays a particular game apparatus among a plurality of game apparatuses is not determined as a winning player of a jackpot award, when a sum of an apparatus-specific jackpot balance amount indicated by game apparatus's own apparatus-specific jackpot balance amount data stored in an apparatus-specific jackpot balance amount storage unit and an apparatus-specific maximum loss amount indicated by a game apparatus's own apparatus-specific maximum loss amount data stored in the apparatus-specific maximum loss amount storage unit, is equal to or more than a payout amount indicated by payout amount data stored in a payout amount storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Takashi Uchiyama, Kazuhiro Kusuda, Nobuhiro Goto
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Patent number: 9039519Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: CADILLAC JACK, INC.Inventor: Jerish Augustine
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Patent number: 9039509Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 2, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.Inventors: Brendan Michael Mullins, Donald James Rollo, III, Ray Edward Bornert, II
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Patent number: 9039513Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20150141110Abstract: A system for allowing players to play a bingo-type game with a user computing device is described herein. The system includes a database including a plurality of bingo symbols and a system controller coupled to the database. The system controller is configured to receive a request from a player to play the bingo-type game and responsively display the bingo-type game on the at least one user computing device. The system controller is configured to determine a plurality of symbol groups included in the bingo-type game, randomly select a set of bingo symbols, and displays the selected set of bingo symbols with respect to the symbol grid. Each symbol group includes a predefined set of bingo symbols. The set of bingo symbols including a bingo symbol selected from each one of the symbol groups. Each bingo symbol in the set of bingo symbols is displayed simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: BitRhymes Inc.Inventors: Sumit Gupta, Vikas Gupta
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Publication number: 20150141111Abstract: A system for allowing players to play a bingo-type game is described herein. The system includes a system controller that is coupled to a plurality of user computing devices. The system controller is configured to display the bingo-type game including a plurality of symbol positions being displayed in a grid. Each symbol position is associated with a card symbol. The system controller randomly selects a plurality of player symbols, displays the player symbols in the symbol positions, randomly selects a plurality of bingo symbols, determines if each one of the plurality of bingo symbols matches a corresponding one of the plurality of player symbols, identifies each card symbol associated with each matched player symbol, determines a combination formed by each of the identified card symbols, and provides the player an award if the determined combination of card symbols forms a winning combination.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: BitRhymes, Inc.Inventors: Sumit Gupta, Vikas Gupta
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Patent number: 9033799Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Duane R. Decker, Nicholas B. Mayne, Lee E. Huber
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Patent number: 9022851Abstract: Systems and methods enable one or more players to play games of chance. A system includes a memory device configured to store instructions that are executable by a processor to provide a game of chance in which a plurality of house indicia is selected from a pool of house indicia. The system also includes a processor. When the processor executes the instructions, the processor is programmed to present to a player a plurality of games or game varieties of the games, and enable the player to select one of the plurality of games or game varieties. The processor is further programmed to present a first outcome or a second outcome to the player based on which game or game variety is selected and based on whether a bonus indicia is randomly selected. The bonus indicia is included within the selected house indicia.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Gaming Arts, LLCInventors: David Colvin, Eric D. Colvin
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Publication number: 20150119128Abstract: A method of operating a video gaming system having program instructions, the programming instructions comprising: providing each player with at least one individual flashboard having suit and value indicia and a game ending pattern outlined thereon; providing a plurality of bingo balls; randomly selecting a first group of bingo balls; displaying to each player the markings associated with each selected bingo ball of the first group of bingo balls; marking each square associated with each of the first group of bingo balls on each individual flashcard; selecting a second group of bingo balls, wherein a total number of bingo balls in the first group and the second group is equal to a least amount of balls needed to completely fill the game ending pattern; displaying to each player the markings associated with each selected bingo ball of the second group of bingo balls; and determining any winning flashboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Gary WEINGARDT, Gamin WEINGARDT, Gary L. LOEBIG
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Patent number: 9017161Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.Inventor: Brian Watkins
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Publication number: 20150111631Abstract: The gaming system that includes a server, a gaming machine communicatively coupled to the server, and a processor. The processor is programmed to: upon receiving a wager at the gaming machine, provide a bingo based game on the gaming machine, the bingo based game comprising gaming content that includes at least one bingo game card, determine that a triggering event has occurred during play of the bingo based game, and based on the triggering event, provide the player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Ryan Cuddy, Lyndsay Nelson, David Rehm
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Patent number: 9011234Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.Inventor: Steven Conard
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Patent number: 9011231Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Norman C. Gilman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael D. Downs
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Patent number: 9011251Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Jason C. Gilmore, Thomas M. Kopera, Christy Juinsuk Olson
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Patent number: 9005013Abstract: A gaming system and method of rewarding players of electronic gaming machines connected by a network to a host computer, including storing player-useable points at a network-accessible location, enabling a player to convert at least some of the points into monetary units at a conversion rate, wherein the monetary units are convertible into credits for wagering on at least one of the electronic gaming machines, awarding a personal points conversion rate multiplier to a player, and applying the points conversion rate multiplier to the conversion rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony David Radisich, Johann Blignaut, Colin Gray
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Patent number: 9005005Abstract: Novel methods, devices and systems are described for mapping a variety of Class III game outcomes to sets of bingo patterns. Each game theme may have a different entertaining display, based upon a corresponding Class III game. Preferably, each game theme will offer game play and paytable percentages closely matching those of the original Class III game. Some implementations provide a system wherein separate pay tables and bingo pools are formed according to the number of paylines played on slot-type game themes and/or the number of hands played on poker game themes. In some such implementations, players will be limited to predetermined numbers of lines (or hands) played, e.g., only 1, 3, 5 or 9 lines. In alternative implementations, a player's options regarding the number of lines played will depend, at least in part, on how many other players are playing any given number of lines on a slot game.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Tracy Powell, Justin M. Krum, Bryan D. Wolf, Ali Saffari
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Patent number: 9005022Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: IGTInventor: Brian F. Saunders
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Patent number: 8998709Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: IGTInventor: Sean M. Gilliand
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Patent number: 8998704Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Kehl LeSourd, Anish Cherian Mathew, Megan Oehlert, Mindy Eustaquio, Jean Pierre Legras
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Patent number: 8991827Abstract: In a draw style wagering game, a player may be allocated a player card displaying a plurality of symbols from a symbol set. When a draw is conducted, a determination is made as to whether the drawn symbols on the player card form a winning pattern. If no winning pattern can be made, a winning pattern can be created by supplementing the drawn symbols with one or more wild symbols up to a maximum number. A payout may be awarding for the winning pattern. The payout may be dependent on the number of wild symbols used to create the winning pattern.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Xpertx, Inc.Inventor: Eric Thomassian
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Patent number: 8992329Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Norman C. Gilman, Scott T. Friesen, Steven M. Santisi
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Patent number: 8992302Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
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Patent number: 8986098Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a keno game including an additional number triggering event that causes at least one additional number to be added to a selected number set to form a modified number set. A player number set and a gaming system number set are selected from a plurality of numbers. Upon an occurrence of an additional number triggering event, the gaming system adds at least one of the numbers to one of: the player number set to form a modified player number set, and the gaming system number set to form a modified gaming system number set. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player number set (or the modified player number set) with the gaming system number set (or the modified gaming system number set), and provides any determined awards.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: IGTInventor: David W. Daniels
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Patent number: 8986104Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: IGTInventor: Mark C. Nicely
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Patent number: 8986097Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Eric Meyerhofer
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Patent number: 8986093Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Scott A. Caputo, Kevin N. Taylor
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Patent number: 8979636Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Jack Brooks, Kehl LeSourd, Anish Cherian Mathew, Megan Oehlert, Mindy Eustaquio, Jean Pierre Legras
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Patent number: 8979634Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Larry J. Pacey, Joel R. Jaffe, Dion K. Aoki
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Publication number: 20150072750Abstract: An improved electronic casino-style BINGO game system is described. In one or more embodiments of the invention, a casino-style BINGO game system provides incentive for extended play by allowing a player to purchase special BINGO cards, the special BINGO cards increasing the player's ability to win a jackpot. When a special BINGO card is purchased by a player, the player receives a new special BINGO card mid-game. The new, special BINGO card comprises preexisting hits, and requires significantly fewer additional hits to reach a coverall pattern than would be expected with a conventional BINGO card at a similar point in the BINGO game.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventor: Marcelo Rinaldis
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Patent number: 8974287Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a selector arranged to select symbols for display in respective first display position areas, and a shutter device disposed in front of the selected symbols and arranged to controllably conceal or reveal at least one of the symbols. The system also comprises a display device disposed in front of the shutter device and arranged to display icons at respective second display position areas. Each second display position area is disposed in alignment with a first display position area, and the display device is controllable so as to modify the degree of transparency of an icon. When the shutter device is controlled so as to reveal a selected symbol and an icon associated with the revealed symbol is modified so as to increase the degree of transparency of the icon, the revealed symbol is viewable through the associated icon.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Damien Burczyk, Mark Cass, Bradley Hendricks, Cash Imutan, Francis Styck
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Patent number: 8974285Abstract: One or more instances of a bonus game (e.g., Class II games such as Bingo games) may be provided to players of another wagering game (e.g., a Class III game such as a slot game, a poker game, etc.). Some implementations of the invention allow players to exchange indicia of credit (e.g., money, game credits, or player loyalty points) for bonus opportunities. For example, players may be able to purchase one or more Bingo cards for Bingo bonus games. Some implementations award bonus opportunities to players based on wager levels, game results, a player's level in a player loyalty program and/or other criteria.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay Roper, Cara Iddings, Craig A. Paulsen
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Publication number: 20150065223Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing state-based power-ups to a wagering game player. The state-based power-ups may be reused by the player until a game outcome condition is not met.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: IGTInventor: Mark C. Nicely
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Publication number: 20150065240Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventor: Jay Chun
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Patent number: 8968072Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.Inventors: Akira Osawa, Kenta Kitamura, Takeshi Iso, Tatsuya Teranishi
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Publication number: 20150057067Abstract: A process is presented to improve the method of playing bingo. The process allows player interaction to determine potential bonus prize amounts. In the preferred embodiment, the gaming method allows a player to experience various game environments during which the player's game performance is tracked through point tracking systems. A player participates in preliminary point games for a set period of time, and performance is tracked through electronic or manual tracking systems. Once a player finishes playing preliminary point games, he or she must have potential prize points verified. A player's potential bonus prize is correlated to verified prize points accumulated. To compete for set prizes and potential monetary bonuses, a player must take part in the primary game. In the preferred embodiment the primary game is Bonus Bingo which is a unique fast-paced paper bingo game.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Stanley Michael Hubbard, Frank Walker Wendt
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Patent number: 8961293Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Konami Gaming, IncorporatedInventor: Eiji Aida
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Patent number: 8961310Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a multi-action switch that is held in an initial position when the multi-action switch is not being pressed, and a position detection device for detecting whether the multi-action switch is in the initial position, a second position, or a third position. The gaming machine further includes a controller for controlling operations of the gaming machine in accordance with the position of the multi-action switch, such that the gaming machine carries out a first operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the second position, and a second operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the third position.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Cuddy, Mike Oberberger
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Publication number: 20150050970Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: Jeffrey Racho
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Patent number: 8956216Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Kehl LeSourd, Anish Cherian Mathew, Megan Oehlert, Mindy Eustaquio, Jean Pierre Legras
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Patent number: 8956213Abstract: Gaming machines and games are configured with one or more wheel events or features. The wheel events or features may comprise main games or bonus games, or may comprise entertaining representations of outcomes of other games or events. The wheel events comprise the selection of one or more segments of a wheel having associated awards. Wheel events may have various entertaining configurations, including use of multiple wheels, concentric wheels and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Rocket Gaming Systems, LLCInventors: Robert Manz, Terry Daly, Robert DelRossi, Erica Frohm, Charlie Lombardo